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As artificial intelligence reshapes industry and society, two Utah State University professors are being recognized for leading decades of groundbreaking AI research.
Utah State University professors Heng-Da Cheng and Kevin Moon have achieved significant recognition by being featured in the esteemed AI Utah 100 2026 Yearbook. This prestigious award is specifically designed to highlight and celebrate the most impactful AI experts who are actively leading meaningful work across various domains, including cutting-edge product development, foundational research, and the establishment of critical infrastructure within the artificial intelligence landscape. Their inclusion underscores their pivotal roles and sustained contributions to advancing AI, not only within Utah State University but also across the broader technological ecosystem of Utah. This honor serves as a testament to their decades of groundbreaking research and their profound influence on the state's burgeoning AI sector, solidifying their status as key innovators and thought leaders.
Professor Heng-Da Cheng, a distinguished faculty member in computer science, has dedicated an impressive career spanning over four decades to the rigorous exploration and development of artificial intelligence and its myriad applications. His prolific academic career is evidenced by an extensive body of work, which includes the authorship of more than 140 influential journal papers, over 200 conference papers presented at leading international forums, and contributions to 15 books or book chapters. This vast output highlights his consistent and deep engagement with the field. Professor Cheng expressed deep appreciation for the award, emphasizing the invaluable opportunities it provides for interdisciplinary collaboration, the exploration of both the theoretical underpinnings and practical implementations of AI, and crucially, the ability to further guide and inspire the next generation of students in AI. Currently, his research team is focused on pioneering new approaches by seamlessly integrating classical AI paradigms with advanced deep learning techniques, aiming to significantly enhance system performance and uncover novel applications for AI across diverse scientific and industrial domains.
Associate Professor Kevin Moon, who holds a significant dual role as a faculty member in math and statistics and the dynamic director of Utah State University’s Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Center (DSAI), has also been duly honored for his substantial contributions to the field. Moon conveyed his sincere gratitude for the recognition, noting that the award brings well-deserved attention and prestige not only to the innovative research projects he has undertaken collaboratively with USU students but also to the broader, impactful AI initiatives flourishing under the DSAI Center. His strategic leadership at the DSAI Center is instrumental in fostering a collaborative environment, driving interdisciplinary research, and promoting educational excellence in artificial intelligence and data science. This recognition further solidifies USU's reputation as a vital hub for AI innovation and development within the state of Utah, thanks in large part to the vision and efforts of leaders like Professor Moon.
The formal acknowledgement of professors Cheng and Moon's achievements took place during a special celebratory event hosted in Sandy, Utah. This gathering served as an important platform to honor a wide array of AI innovators, essential community partners, and dedicated supporters who are all playing crucial roles in cultivating and advancing Utah's rapidly expanding and highly dynamic artificial intelligence ecosystem. Such events are indispensable for stimulating robust collaboration among experts, facilitating the critical exchange of knowledge and ideas, and collectively recognizing the sustained efforts that are driving significant technological progress and fostering economic growth within the state through the transformative power of AI. The prominent inclusion of these two distinguished faculty members from Utah State University highlights the university's central and indispensable role in making substantial contributions to this vibrant and continuously evolving technological sector.