OSU CEAT Professional Development launches AI course for technical professionals

Thursday, May 21, 2026

Media Contact: Kristi Wheeler | Marketing and Communications Manager | 405-744-5831 | kristi.wheeler@okstate.edu

Oklahoma State University Professional Development, an extension unit of the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology, is building on its 100-year legacy of technical workforce development with the launch of a new course: AI Literacy and Application for Technical Professionals.

Built from industry stakeholder input, the course focuses on examining core AI terminology and explores real-world use cases across Oklahoma industries including oil and gas, aerospace, banking and technology. Learners who participate in the course will also evaluate how AI tools can support productivity, decision-making and operational efficiency. The course emphasizes responsible implementation, governance and ethical considerations of AI in professional environments.

“Our goal with this course is to empower technical professionals with applied AI skills while also highlighting some of the amazing AI work already being done in Oklahoma,” said Jessica Stewart, director of OSU CEAT Professional Development.

The development of the course was a collaboration between OSU CEAT Professional Development and industry partners within the state.

OSU CEAT graduate and founder of Shimmer Labs, Logan Shimmer, was instrumental in serving as a subject-matter expert to develop the curriculum.

According to Shimmer, OSU CEAT Professional Development is helping fill a gap for engineers and technicians who need to effectively use AI tools, evaluate where they fit and avoid common pitfalls.

“AI is moving from a research curiosity to a daily tool on the job site, in the lab, and at the operator console," Shimmer said. "This course is built for the engineers and technicians who need to use it well, not just talk about it. As an OSU alum, I’m proud that CEAT is meeting that moment for Oklahoma’s technical workforce.”

Shimmer said Oklahoma’s industrial base will feel the impact of AI and has the opportunity to lead rather than follow. OSU CEAT Professional Development is making sure Oklahoma’s workforce leads.

A key goal for the course is to provide insight from Oklahomans who are currently using and developing AI in day-to-day technical applications. Shimmer and Stewart collaborated with Oklahoma AI-based companies meerir, Senslytics, Quillify and Spirit Bank to provide case studies and insight into AI use in Oklahoma.

Craig Mahaney, CEO of meerir, saw the need for a course to help professionals learn to apply AI and was excited to get involved.

"The questions surrounding commercial drone operations, from airspace integration and infrastructure planning to community readiness, are no longer theoretical. They're being answered right now, by real teams, under real pressure,” Mahaney said.

“At meerir, we've built our work around helping decision makers navigate that complexity with greater speed and confidence. That's why we’re proud to collaborate with OSU CEAT Professional Development on this micro-credential. Equipping professionals with the ability to apply AI, not just understand it, is how better decisions get made.”

For Julio Tirado, director of internal audit for Spirit Bank, the need for companies to stay competitive while embracing rapidly changing technologies in the AI ecosystem is essential. With that comes the additional responsibility of staying on top of processes, policies, procedures and risks associated with AI technologies. Tirado brings that governance perspective to his involvement with the course.

“The AI Literacy and Application for Technical Professionals program makes AI approachable, practical, and relevant for working professionals who need real solutions, not just buzzwords,” Tirado said. “It’s a must-have resource for anyone who wants to stay informed, adapt to emerging technologies, and be prepared for the future of work.”

One of several learning outcomes for the AI Literacy and Application for Technical Professionals course is to be able to analyze workplace tasks and scenarios to determine appropriate opportunities for AI-supported tools and workflows.

This is something Blake Bixler, CEO of Senslytics, has been a part of and why he was interested in being involved with developing this course.

Senslytics has developed AI for use in the oil and gas industry. Their proprietary AI can help identify when a pipeline is likely to corrode, among other uses.

“AI is changing and improving so rapidly that it is very challenging to stay knowledgeable, and we all constantly feel behind,” Bixler said. “I wanted to contribute a little bit of my experience, and I hope that helps the people taking the class. The goal for this course is to help people enhance the work they are already doing.”

Wesley Stevens is the founder of Quillify AI, which automates and streamlines the grant application process for businesses, non-profits and others. His story is featured as part of the course, and he is excited about the opportunity.

“This OSU course has the potential to expand AI implementation from a bottom-up approach that will have unprecedented effects on Oklahoma industry for years to come,” Stevens said.

The AI Literacy and Application for Technical Professionals course is being offered online and self-paced through the OSU CEAT Professional Development course catalog.

Learn more and enroll at OSU CEAT Professional Development.