Applied AI Lab

Through collaboration between the Center for Business Analytics and Lindner’s department of operations, business analytics, and information systems (OBAIS), Lindner’s Applied AI Lab serves four key functions and stakeholders:

• Students: Curricular innovation that empowers business problem solvers by embedding relevant AI content into Lindner courses and programs.
• Business partners: Training and partnerships that build and deepen AI expertise via the Center for Business Analytics (see below).
• Incubator: AI “starter kits” for research, applications and product development.
• Lindner expertise: AI training and upskilling opportunities for Lindner faculty and staff.

The Applied AI Lab is directed by Jeffrey Shaffer, Kirk and Jacki Perry Professor of Analytics and an assistant professor-educator of OBAIS.

This Center for Business Analytics training course focuses on the application of generative AI in data analytics, and offers deeper exploration of prompt engineering and agentic workflows. Fundamental concepts, governance, and societal, ethical and regulatory implications of generative AI are covered, too.

This course is open to the public, and no prior experience with AI or coding is required.

• October 20-29 (4 virtual, half-day sessions)

The AI in Business graduate certificate educates students on how to leverage AI platforms for solving business problems. AI in Business can be taken in-person or online, and supplies students with experiential learning opportunities with modern AI tools and access to expert faculty researching AI’s latest business applications.

AI in Business can be completed in nine to 12 months (two to three semesters). No prior experience with AI tools is required, but a basic background in Python programming and information systems is helpful.

• When: The deadline to apply for spring 2026 enrollment is November 15.
• How: In person or online

All public Center for Business Analytics training courses, including Generative AI in Business, can be offered privately. The courses can be tailored to meet the specific needs of the company or organization interested. Inquiries can be directed to Center for Business Analytics Associate Director Marilyn Kump.

Fifth Third Bank completed a series of private generative AI workshops led by Shaffer.

This free training course has been offered to Lindner faculty and staff.

“AI’s Got Talent: GenAI for Faculty and Staff” covers the basics of generative AI, best practices (and what to avoid), and how to leverage AI for teaching and research purposes.

Shaffer routinely lends his AI expertise to external media outlets seeking informed perspective. Below is a sampling of Shaffer's external media appearances.

Shaffer has also served as a keynote speaker for the Ohio Higher Education Computing Council and the Center for Business Analytics' Data Science Symposium, as well as a session speaker at the Tableau Conference.