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The Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering recently selected two Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) staff members as Engineering for Professionals (EP) program chairs.

Bart Paulhamus, chief of APL’s Intelligent Systems Center (ISC), was named chair of the Whiting School EP Artificial Intelligence (AI) program. Ben Rodriguez, an experienced data science researcher, was named co-chair of EP’s Data Science program, sharing leadership of the program with another APL staff member, Jim Spall.

The is one of the nation’s first. The curriculum explores AI areas such as computer vision, machine learning, robotics, natural language processing and advanced algorithms. The program is designed to prepare engineers to take advantage of opportunities in this field, with a team of top-level researchers, scientists and engineers guiding students through rigorous online academic courses.

Paulhamus has more than 20 years of experience in applying advanced algorithms to technical challenges and has been leading research in APL’s ISC since 2021. The center conducts pioneering research with mission intent, tackling research challenges underlying intelligent systems by combining AI, neuroscience and robotics.

“When we created APL’s AI Technology Roadmap in 2019, we identified developing an AI workforce as a major challenge — not just for APL but for our entire country,” Paulhamus said. “As the chief of APL’s ISC, I’ve been working on growing AI literacy at APL. With this program, I hope to bring that experience to scientists and engineers outside of APL. We are finding that AI can be a force multiplier for almost any technical field. The demand for AI education is growing daily; this is an exciting opportunity.”

The is designed to address the growing demand for data scientists to serve as knowledgeable resources in our ever-evolving data-driven world. Students engage in a number of modern online courses covering topics such as machine learning, data visualization, game theory and large-scale data systems in order to expand their knowledge for advanced career opportunities in data science.

Rodriguez is an electrical engineer in APL’s Force Projection Sector and has an extensive background in statistical signal processing with a focus on data science, intelligent systems and machine learning. His current work includes research and development in algorithms development, data processing, information retrieval, intelligent system design, recognition techniques and fusion of multiple data sources, including sensor data for pattern association, decision-making and tracking.

“During my 14 years with the Johns Hopkins Engineering for Professionals program, I have had great mentors, which I feel helped me prepare for the position as co-chair for the Data Science program,” Rodriguez said. “I am truly humbled to be selected for this position. My goal in this role is to ensure we maintain a top level of technical rigor in the courses we provide to our students. I want to ensure our students are prepared to make critical contributions and become our next generation of leaders in the data science community.”

EP offers online and part-time master’s degrees and certificates in more than 22 program areas, many of which are chaired by APL staff members. For more information, visit or the .

“EP is extremely excited to have Bart and Ben take on key leadership roles in these very important programs,” said Harry Charles, head of APL’s Education Center and associate dean for Non-residential Graduate Programs at the JHU Whiting School of Engineering. “EP looks forward to their many outstanding contributions to our international professional education program.”