The University of Iowa’s AI Support Team, part of Information Technology Services, helps the campus community explore artificial intelligence in a thoughtful, secure, and practical way. As interest in tools such as Microsoft Copilot grows, the team supports faculty, staff, and students by connecting innovation with governance and everyday use.
What the Team Does
The AI Support Team was established with generous support from P3 funds to assist individuals and units across the university in exploring and implementing AI responsibly. The group provides:
Consultations: Working with individuals and departments on AI pilots, projects, and vendor evaluations.
Educational programming: Offering foundational AI training sessions and workshops.
Tool evaluation: Assessing new AI solutions for usability, accessibility, and data protection.
Pilot support: Helping implement AI tool pilots such as Microsoft 365 Copilot.
Campus engagement: Coordinating opportunities to share knowledge and practical use cases.
In 2024, the team’s work was highlighted in the OneIT Year in Review, which noted their role in expanding Copilot test flights (from 400 to 1,000 participants) and building capacity for ethical, sustainable AI use.
The People Behind the Team
Manda Marshall, AI Support Team Manager
As AI Support Team Manager, Manda combines expertise in learning sciences with experience leveraging technology in innovative ways to solve challenges and achieve meaningful outcomes.
Mo Ibrahim, AI Support Team Consultant
Brings a computer engineering background, project management, and IT Support experience. Focus areas include user engagement and cross-campus collaboration.
Vedansh Airen, AI Support Team Consultant
Holds a master’s degree in computer science from Iowa, with experience in AI, virtual reality, and software development.
Maddi Brenner, AI Support Team Consultant
Former business librarian at Iowa with expertise in information systems and AI research.
How It Fits in Campus Strategy
The AI Support Team’s work is part of the university’s broader effort to adopt AI responsibly. By supporting AI tool pilots such as Microsoft 365 Copilot, offering foundational AI training and workshops, and evaluating new AI tools, the team helps bridge the gap between experimentation and long-term use across teaching, research, and administration.
How You Can Engage
Learn from campus examples:
The AI Support Team works to identify practical AI use cases that demonstrate effective and meaningful applications. Users from across campus share these examples during AI Lightning Talks to help the community learn and apply approaches that can benefit everyone.
Request a consultation:
Reach out if your department or unit is considering an AI project or pilot by sending an email to ITS-AISupportTeam@uiowa.edu.
Stay informed:
Follow the AI at Iowa newsletter and explore AI resources on the ITS website.