By Anisa Longe
Dr. Kelly Cohen, the inaugural UC AI Champion, is a professor at the University of Cincinnati whose journey into artificial intelligence (AI) is as unconventional as it is inspiring. With over three decades of experience, Dr. Cohen has pioneered fuzzy logic-based AI systems that emulate human reasoning, championed ethical and explainable AI, and mentored a generation of students who are now transforming industries around the world.
Dr. Cohen describes his entry into AI as 'accidental.' After receiving an award at his engineering job, he was offered a six-year deal: two years to study anything he wanted, fully funded, followed by four years of work. He chose to pursue a PhD in fuzzy logic-based AI—a field that was far from mainstream in aerospace engineering at the time. 'I promised myself that if I ever pursued graduate studies, I would do it out of passion,' he said. 'Fuzzy logic emulates human reasoning. It’s simple in concept, yet powerful in application.'
Dr. Cohen’s academic lineage traces back twelve steps to Sir Isaac Newton, a fact he proudly shares with his students. Today, he leads the largest fuzzy logic research group in the world and serves as President of the North American Fuzzy Information Processing Society. His students have gone on to achieve remarkable success, including one who sold his PhD thesis for a significant amount and now employs other UC graduates.
Currently, Dr. Cohen is focused on developing AI systems that are safe, transparent, and robust. His work spans healthcare, aerospace, cybersecurity, and even virtual reality. He collaborates with the College of Medicine on psychiatric evaluations using AI and is exploring AI applications in agriculture and music. 'I like to solve problems that matter,' he said. 'Whether it’s making aircraft safer or improving mental health diagnostics, AI can make a real difference.'
Dr. Cohen’s teaching philosophy centers on empowering students. He requires them to code from scratch, ensuring a deep understanding of AI systems. His classes are rigorous, with 12 deliverables in 14 weeks, and his students consistently rate him among the best instructors at UC. 'I inspire them to believe in themselves,' he said. 'And then I give them the tools to soar.'
Dr. Cohen’s impact extends far beyond the classroom. He has built an academic ecosystem where former students return to mentor new ones, creating a cycle of success. He has
organized international competitions, published collaborative books, and led global conferences. 'By creating AI champions, I become a champion myself,' he reflected.
Dr. Cohen shows no signs of resting with his many accolades. He continues to innovate, teach, and inspire. His vision for AI is one rooted in ethics, transparency, and human-centered design—a vision that is shaping the future of technology and education alike.
UC Research Directory | Dr. Kelly Cohen
Towards a responsible AI future | Dr. Kelly Cohen | TEDx UCincinnati
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