Today@Sam Article

SamPoly Partnerships: Forward Edge-AI

May 19, 2025
SHSU Media Contact: Campbell Atkins

SamPoly, Sam Houston State University’s innovative Polytechnic College, seeks to address critical industry shortages in artificial intelligence and automation through a structured curriculum designed by the sector’s most prestigious players.

“With SamPoly, SHSU is asking the right questions and understanding the problems that we need to prepare students for in the future,” said George Stephenson, industry partner and chief operating officer at Forward Edge-AI in San Antonio. “This curriculum is not abstract, it’s tangible. It allows the student to quickly apply what they are doing in the classroom to what they will be doing in the field.”

Stephenson, who has collaborated with SHSU faculty and its students on highly advanced research and development pursuits, is familiar with the institution’s forward-thinking practices and the impact they can have in his industry.

“We have always been a supporter of SHSU,” Stephenson said. “They have provided graduate, undergraduate and faculty support with research and development work and have been killing it across the board.”

These efforts include groundbreaking work across several critical fields through developing low-cost, AI-Powered Ramen Spectrometers that significantly enhance the speed, accuracy and affordability of fuel testing for military and commercial applications.

“All of our problem sets are built around three core components: public safety, national defense and security,” Stephenson said. “The Polytechnic program and how it is designed helps students understand how to approach these problem sets immediately.”

Forward Edge-AI has also worked with SHSU on the unprecedented threat quantum computing presents to critical cybersecurity technologies and practices. This work stands at the forefront of combating the most pressing challenges of post-quantum cryptography.

Stephenson has served as Forward Edge-AI’s COO since 2019. He has held the same position with Federal Management System, Inc. in Washington D.C. since 2011. He is known for his deep understanding of federal financial management and acquisition regulations. His expertise in navigating the intricacies of government contracts has significantly contributed to Forward Edge-AI’s growth and success in the federal sector.

“SamPoly has strengthened our connection with industry,” said Chad Hargrave, vice president for research and strategic partnerships at SHSU. “It will continue to strengthen the more we listen to our industry partners and satisfy their needs.”

Kickstart your future through SamPoly’s Practical AI and Intelligent Automation program.

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