UH Hilo’s Wu selected as National AI Research Resource Education Fellow

An assistant professor of computer science at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo has been selected to join the inaugural cohort of the National Science Foundation National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NSF NAIRR) AI Education Fellows. The announcement was made March 18, 2026 by the Computing Research Association.

Winston Wu, Ph.D., is one of 25 national ambassadors representing 23 states who will serve to advance AI education through the NAIRR Pilot Classroom and the NAIRR Pilot Classroom Expansion AI EDU Research Coordination Network (RCN). As a Fellow, Wu will pilot and adapt courses utilizing NAIRR Pilot Classroom resources, support faculty nationwide in integrating these materials into courses, and help shape the strategic direction of the NAIRR AI EDU RCN.

Wu’s research develops natural language processing and machine learning methods for multilingual and low-resource applications, with a current focus on supporting language revitalization and education efforts in the local community. He teaches a wide range of courses, from introductory programming to advanced undergraduate courses on natural language processing and deep learning, and also coaches the UH Hilo competitive programming teams.

He received undergraduate degrees in computer science and Latin from the University of Texas at Austin, earned his Ph.D. in computer science from Johns Hopkins University, and was a postdoc at the University of Michigan. In his free time, he enjoys playing the piano.

“These Fellows will serve as ambassadors for AI education across the country, helping faculty and institutions leverage NAIRR resources to strengthen their courses and programs,” said Jeff Forbes, director of broadening participation in computing initiatives at CRA and lead for the NAIRR AI Education initiative. “By elevating their leadership and connecting them nationally, we’re amplifying both their impact and the broader goals of the NAIRR AI Education program.”

Wu’s Fellowship runs March 2026 – February 2027 and includes a $5,000 stipend and national visibility as a leader in AI education.