Course Description
Learn hands-on workflows using modern AI tools
This intensive 12-hour short course introduces practical artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) tools for materials scientists and engineers. Designed for researchers, engineers, and advanced students in ceramics and related fields, the course focuses on how to apply modern data-driven methods to real materials problems such as property prediction, materials discovery, and process optimization.
Rather than emphasizing abstract theory, the course prioritizes hands-on workflows using Python and modern AI tools. Participants will learn how to structure materials data, build predictive models, use large language models (LLMs), and implement optimization strategies. By the end of the course, attendees will be able to prototype their own AI-driven materials workflows and understand when and how these approaches provide value.
Course Format
12 hours of instruction | Virtual on Oct. 13, 14, 15 & Oct. 20, 21, 22 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. EDT
*Employees of ACerS Corporate Partners receive the discounted Individual Member rate. Sapphire Corporate Partners receive an additional 20% discount; Diamond Corporate Partners receive an additional 30% discount. Please contact Customer Service or 614-890-4700 to register employees at the discounted Corporate Partner rates.
Taylor Sparks, Ph.D.
Taylor Sparks is Associate Chair of the Materials Science and Engineering Department at the University of Utah. He is also director of the Materials Characterization lab at the university and teaches classes on ceramics, materials science, characterization, and technology commercialization. His current research centers on the discovery, synthesis, characterization, and properties of new materials for energy applications.
Originally from Utah, Sparks previously worked at Ceramatec Inc. and is a pioneer in the emerging field of materials informatics whereby big data, data mining, and machine learning are leveraged to solve challenges in materials science. Sparks holds a Ph.D. in applied physics from Harvard University, an M.S. in materials from the University of California, Santa Barbara. When he’s not in the lab, you can find him running his podcast Materialism or canyoneering with his four kids in southern Utah.
