Engineering AI Summer Institute at Johns Hopkins University

Course Description: Engineering AI Summer Institute at Johns Hopkins University

This fully immersive 2-week residential summer programme is designed for undergraduate students (18+) who want to explore artificial intelligence through cutting-edge research, ethical inquiry, and real-world societal applications at one of the world's leading research institutions. Set on the historic campus of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, the programme combines:

• Faculty-taught AI lectures exploring transformative applications

• Hands-on research projects addressing real-world challenges

• Ethical and societal impact discussions with leading scholars

• Visits to leading technology companies and research centres

• Professional development and career preparation workshops

• A truly international student community

Students return home with advanced understanding of AI systems, practical research experience, and preparation for graduate study or research-focused careers in this rapidly evolving field.

📍 Location & Campus Experience

Students live and study on the historic campus of Johns Hopkins University, located in Baltimore, Maryland—home to world-leading research institutions and innovation hubs.

• Historic East Coast research university campus with cutting-edge facilities

• Easy access to Baltimore's vibrant cultural and professional scene

• Gateway to Washington, D.C., the nation's capital (approximately 40 miles away)

• Modern residential facilities within walking distance of academic buildings

• Access to state-of-the-art laboratories and research centres

• International student community fostering global perspectives

• Strong connections to leading technology companies and research organisations

The programme welcomes ambitious undergraduate students from around the world, creating a diverse and intellectually rigorous learning environment where students engage with peers who share their passion for AI innovation.

🌐 English Language Requirements

This programme is designed for undergraduate students with strong English proficiency to engage with advanced academic and research content.

Recommended English Levels:

Non-Credit Track:

• IELTS: 6.0

• TOEFL: 68

• PTE Academic: 50

• DET: 105

• iTEP: 4.0 or equivalent

Credit Track:

• IELTS: 6.5

• TOEFL: 80

• PTE Academic: 58

• DET: 115

• iTEP: 4.5 or equivalent

Waivers are available for students who demonstrate strong academic motivation and research potential despite not meeting standard benchmarks.

📚 Academic & Research Curriculum

The Engineering AI Summer Institute features a rigorous, research-driven curriculum delivered by Johns Hopkins faculty experts. Students choose between two tracks: a non-credit research track or a credit track that leads to 2 graduate-level academic credits.

Students explore AI through key application areas including:

• Large Language Models – Understanding how modern AI language systems are trained, what they can and cannot do

• AI in Healthcare and Cybersecurity – Real-world applications transforming medicine, diagnosis, and security systems

• Robotics and Intelligent Systems – How AI powers autonomous systems and robotic decision-making

• Ethical and Societal Implications of AI – Critical examination of bias, fairness, and responsible AI development

Faculty-Led Lecture Series:

World-leading Johns Hopkins faculty deliver seminars exploring how artificial intelligence transforms:

• Medicine & Healthcare – AI applications in diagnosis, treatment planning, and personalised medicine

• Neuroscience & Cognitive Systems – Understanding brain structure and function through computational approaches

• Public Health & Policy – AI's role in epidemiology, global health initiatives, and evidence-based policy

• Global Sustainability & Environmental Applications – Leveraging AI to address climate change, energy efficiency, and resource management

• Cybersecurity & Risk Management – Managing threats at the intersection of AI, cybersecurity, and data privacy

• Foundations and Evolution of Artificial Intelligence – Historical trajectory from rule-based systems to modern deep learning approaches

• AI and Geopolitics – Understanding AI's strategic importance in great power competition and international relations

• The Promise and Peril of AI – Examining both potential benefits and risks as AI systems become more powerful and integrated into society

Key Lecture Topics Include:

The Evolution of AI – Trace AI's shift from rule-based and Bayesian methods to data-driven deep learning approaches. Examine case studies in self-driving vehicles, security systems, intelligent transportation, medicine, and healthcare. Address critical challenges including domain shifts, bias, adversarial attacks, and the need for explainability.

AI and Healthcare Applications – Explore AI-driven multi-omics analyses that could enable precision medicine tailored to individual patients. Discuss how computational approaches in cancer genomics, surgical AI, and speech technologies are transforming patient care and enabling new treatments.

AI for Surgery – Examine how AI is expected to revolutionise surgical patient care through autonomous workflow analysis, surgeon-machine teaming, and assured surgical care protocols.

Speech Technologies in Healthcare – Discover how human language technology enables communication with machines while diagnosing speech disfluencies linked to neurological disorders, measuring cognitive impairment, and creating digital companions for elderly adults.

AI and Cancer – Understand how AI-driven analyses could make cancer treatments dramatically more precise, with each patient's therapy uniquely tailored to their molecular profile.

Precision Care Medicine – Learn first principles reasoning and computational modelling approaches to improve health at individual and population levels. Study predictive modelling techniques and latent pattern discovery in biology and medicine.

AI and Environmental Applications – Explore the environmental costs of AI, examining data centre electricity consumption and the intersection of AI with clean energy futures.

AI in Computation and Brain Connectivity – Investigate how AI can learn from neuroscience and how understanding brain structure informs better network architectures.

🎯 Programme Goals & Learning Experience

The Engineering AI Summer Institute is designed to accomplish multiple outcomes:

Core Goals:

• Build foundational knowledge of artificial intelligence and its real-world applications

• Develop critical thinking skills through examination of complex AI challenges

• Encourage ethical awareness about AI's societal implications and responsible development

• Connect AI learning to future academic and career pathways

• Inspire the next generation of AI leaders and responsible innovators

Learning Experience:

Students engage through multiple interactive and immersive modalities:

• Interactive Lectures and Master Classes – Learn from world-leading faculty through engaging seminars and discussions

• Hands-On Activities and Applied Problem Solving – Work through real-world challenges using AI methodologies

• Guided Lab Tours and Research Centre Visits – See cutting-edge AI research in action at Johns Hopkins facilities

• Site Visits to Local Technology Organizations – Explore how AI systems are designed, tested, and deployed in industry settings

• Research Project Development – Design and present your own AI solution to an authentic real-world problem

These experiences allow students to see how AI systems are designed, tested, and used in real-world settings—from academic research to industry applications.

🔬 Research Project: AI for Real-World Challenges

A cornerstone of the programme is a guided research project where students design AI-based solutions to authentic problems. This capstone experience integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application and ethical reasoning.

Research Process:

Students work through a structured approach:

1. Identify a Real-World Problem – Select a genuine challenge that AI could address

2. Review Relevant Research – Assess existing literature and AI approaches in the field

3. Design an AI-Based Solution – Develop a practical solution, considering technical approaches and implementation

4. Consider Ethical and Societal Impact – Thoughtfully examine broader implications, potential benefits, risks, and bias concerns

Final Presentation:

Students present their completed AI research proposals to peers and instructors, demonstrating both technical competency and ethical awareness. The presentation showcases their ability to communicate complex ideas and defend design choices with supporting evidence.

👨‍🏫 World-Leading Faculty

The programme is taught by pioneering Johns Hopkins researchers who are advancing the frontier of artificial intelligence and its applications.

Lauren Gardner – Alton and Sandra Cleveland Professor Dr. Gardner holds a joint appointment at the Department of Civil and Systems Engineering and the Bloomberg School of Public Health. In 2020, she was named one of TIME's 100 Most Influential People for creating the interactive web-based dashboard used globally to track the COVID-19 pandemic—a landmark example of AI and data science serving public health.

Swaroop Vedula – Associate Research Professor Leading the AI for Surgery Lab, Dr. Vedula blends engineering, surgical data science, and epidemiology to transform surgical care. His research focuses on autonomous surgical workflows, surgeon-machine teaming through natural language interaction, and ensuring assured surgical care for all populations. His work translates AI technologies for video and sensor data analysis into user-friendly applications accessible worldwide.

Russell H. Taylor – John C. Malone Professor Professor Taylor is a pioneering figure in computer science and medical technology, holding appointments across multiple departments including Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, and multiple medical specialties. His work bridges computational methods with clinical application.

Yury Dvorkin – Associate Professor An expert in civil and systems engineering, electrical and computer engineering, and sustainable energy, Dr. Dvorkin uses multidisciplinary methods to develop models and algorithms addressing challenges posed by emerging smart grid technologies. His research combines engineering, operations research, economics, and policy analysis.

Rachel Karchin – Professor A pioneer in computational cancer genomics, Dr. Karchin develops innovative algorithms for variant interpretation and tumour evolution. She created CHASM, the first widely used statistical learning method to distinguish driver from passenger mutations, and led development of OpenCRAVAT, a widely adopted open-source variant annotation toolkit. Her deep learning models advance neoantigen prediction for precision medicine.

Justus Kebschull – Assistant Professor Dr. Kebschull's research aims to understand brain structure and function through comparative approaches. His lab engineers molecular, viral, and sequencing technologies to measure neuronal connectivity networks and gene expression at scale, opening doors to single-cell comparative connectomics.

Adam Charles – Assistant Professor An Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering with affiliations across Neuroscience, the Center for Imaging Science, and the Mathematical Institute for Data Science, Dr. Charles' lab focuses on machine learning and signal processing for neural imaging, data analysis, and broader applications including remote sensing and computational neuroscience.

Vishal M. Patel – Associate Professor An associate professor of electrical and computer engineering, Dr. Patel's research focuses on biomedical image analysis, biometrics, computer vision, machine learning, and signal and image processing—applying AI methods to solve real-world challenges in healthcare and security.

💼 Professional Development & Career Skills

Beyond technical AI instruction, the programme includes workshops developing essential professional competencies for research and industry careers.

Career Skills Workshops Include:

• Ethical AI in Career Development – Navigate ethical considerations as you build your AI career, understanding your role in responsible innovation

• LinkedIn Branding & Profile Optimisation – Build a compelling professional online presence that showcases your AI expertise and research interests to employers and academics

• Career Fair & Internship Strategies – Learn how to effectively engage with employers and research groups, prepare for interviews, and identify internship opportunities aligned with your AI interests

• US Resume & Cover Letter Standards – Master the conventions of American academic and industry applications, including effective ways to highlight research projects and technical skills

These workshops connect technical learning with professional pathways, preparing students for both graduate study and industry careers in AI.

🗓️ Daily Routine & Programme Schedule

Each day balances intensive academic instruction, research work, professional development, and social engagement to create a rich immersive experience.

Typical Weekday Schedule:

• 08:00 – Breakfast

• 09:00 onwards – Morning Track Activities*

• Credit track students: Faculty-taught lectures and course assignments

• Non-credit track students: Research skills lessons focusing on the capstone project

• 12:00 onwards – Lunch & Free Time

• 13:00 onwards – Afternoon Sessions

• Campus tours and facility visits

• Company visits to leading AI organisations

• Guest speaker seminars

• Faculty research seminars

• Global Citizenship workshops

• 17:30 onwards – Free Time / Campus Activities

• 18:00 – Dinner

• 19:00 onwards – Evening Activities & Social Events

• Supervised bedtime routine

Weekend Exploration:

Students undertake cultural immersion activities and visit nearby Washington, D.C., experiencing both American culture and the policy landscape surrounding technology and innovation.

Sample Week 1 Itinerary:

• Monday: Arrival, check-in, campus tours, safety and wellbeing orientation

• Tuesday: Track activities, campus tour, COVID-19 mapping with AI (Prof. Lauren Gardner lecture)

• Wednesday: Track activities, company visit to AI startup, computer vision seminar (Prof. Vishal Patel)

• Thursday: Track activities, global citizenship workshop, AI for surgery seminar (Prof. Russell Taylor & Swaroop Vedula)

• Friday: Track activities, guest speaker seminar, AI and environmental applications (Prof. Yury Dvorkin)

• Saturday: Washington, D.C. tour exploring government, policy, and cultural landmarks

• Sunday: Baltimore city tour and on-campus activities

🏠 Accommodation & Campus Living

Students stay on the Johns Hopkins University campus in modern residential facilities with experienced residential staff supervision.

Residence Hall Features:

• Close proximity to all academic buildings and classroom spaces

• Modern, comfortable rooms with individual furnishings

• Air conditioning and climate control

• High-speed internet connectivity

• Shared bathroom facilities

• Washer and dryer access within residence halls

• Fresh linens provided and changed regularly

• Common areas for relaxation, studying, and socialising

• 24/7 on-site residential staff supervision and support

• Safe, secure environment with access controls

Room Configurations:

• Single or double occupancy options

• Modern furnishings and study spaces

• Access to shared common areas and recreational spaces

🍽️ Meals & Dining

All meals are included in the programme fee, providing nourishing options to support active learning.

Meal Service:

• Three nutritious meals daily (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

• All standard religious and medical dietary requests accommodated

• Variety of international and local cuisine options

• Modern dining facilities conveniently located on campus

• Access to nearby cafés, restaurants, and shops for additional options

• Healthy, balanced meal planning supporting academic performance and wellbeing

🎭 Cultural Immersions & Social Life

Students explore Baltimore and the Washington, D.C. area, engaging with American culture, policy, and innovation ecosystems while building international friendships.

Baltimore Attractions & Experiences:

• Historic neighbourhoods and architectural landmarks

• Maryland State House—the seat of Maryland government

• Talent shows and creative expression opportunities

• Historic homes and cultural institutions

• On-campus social gatherings and team-building activities

Washington, D.C. Exploration:

• The White House – Symbol of American government and power

• The Washington Monument – Iconic landmark honouring the nation's founder

• The Jefferson Memorial – Architectural masterpiece celebrating American ideals

• Walking tours exploring America's political and cultural centre

• Opportunities to understand the policy landscape surrounding technology and innovation

Evening & Social Activities:

• Grocery shopping and campus orientation

• Board game nights and social gatherings

• Evening walks and outdoor activities

• Karaoke and entertainment events

• Team-building games and friendly competitions

• Talent shows and creative expression

• Group dinners and cultural exchange

🌍 Why Johns Hopkins & Baltimore

Johns Hopkins University stands as a beacon of research excellence and innovation, making it an ideal setting for an advanced AI programme.

Research Excellence:

• Ranked #7 National University with world-leading research infrastructure

• Nearly 8,500 total student enrolment creating an intellectually vibrant community

• 20% international students bringing global perspectives

• State-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities

• Faculty at the forefront of AI innovation across multiple domains

Baltimore's Innovation Ecosystem:

• Home to major technology companies and research organisations

• Proximity to Washington, D.C., the centre of US policy and governance

• Historic East Coast city with rich cultural heritage

• Growing tech hub with emerging AI and biotech sectors

• Gateway to understanding how AI shapes policy and society

📅 Programme Dates, Duration & Pricing

2026 Summer Session:

• Dates: July 20 – August 1, 2026

• Duration: 2 weeks (12 days residential)

Pricing Options:

Non-Credit Track: $8,500 (Residential) | $7,500 (Commuter)

• Ideal for students exploring AI without formal academic credit

• Includes all research project work and professional development

• Certificate of Achievement and Letter of Completion from Johns Hopkins

Credit Track: $10,000 (Residential)

• Enrol in "AI for Global Good: Applications in Medicine, Environment, Systems, Security, and Beyond"

• Earn 2 graduate-level academic credits

• Receive official Johns Hopkins University transcript

• Certificate of Achievement and Letter of Completion

Scholarship Opportunities: Scholarships of up to $1,000 are available to eligible applicants in limited quantities.

Application Timeline:

• Registration Deadline: May 1, 2026

• Early applications are encouraged for visa processing and travel planning

📋 Registration Requirements

Age Requirement: 18+ years old

Academic Background:

Non-Credit Track: No specific degree requirement

• Open to ambitious undergraduate students from any discipline

• Strong academic motivation and curiosity about AI required

Credit Track: Must be enrolled or recently graduated from a STEM programme

• Alternative: Completion of a Python Bootcamp course prior to programme start

• STEM background ensures readiness for graduate-level coursework

English Proficiency:

Non-Credit Track:

• IELTS: 6.0; TOEFL: 68; PTE Academic: 50; DET: 105; iTEP: 4.0 or equivalent

Credit Track:

• IELTS: 6.5; TOEFL: 80; PTE Academic: 58; DET: 115; iTEP: 4.5 or equivalent

• Waivers available for qualified candidates

Visa Requirement: B1/B2 Tourist Visa (visa support provided)

📦 What's Included

The programme fee is comprehensive and fully inclusive:

Programme Tuition & Instruction:

• Faculty-led lectures and seminars exploring AI applications

• Interactive workshops and research seminars

• Guest speaker presentations from industry leaders

• Capstone research project guidance and mentorship

• Professional development workshops

• Academic coaching and feedback

• Access to world-class faculty expertise

Student Services:

• Visa support and documentation assistance

• Programme supervision (24/7 residential staff)

• Airport transfers to/from Baltimore

• Programme transportation for excursions

• Comprehensive medical and travel insurance

• Student support services and wellbeing resources

• Academic progress reports and feedback

Room & Board:

• Modern residential accommodation on campus

• Single or double room options

• Three meals daily (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

• Dietary accommodations for religious and medical requirements

• Linens, cleaning, and laundry facilities

• Wi-Fi and campus facilities access

• 24/7 residential staff support

Activities & Experiences:

• Full activity programme and evening entertainment

• Guided campus tours of Johns Hopkins facilities

• Visits to leading technology companies and research organisations

• Baltimore city exploration and cultural attractions

• Washington, D.C. excursions and landmark visits

• Social events and team-building activities

• Group dinners and cultural exchange opportunities

Certificates & Documentation:

• Certificate of Achievement from Johns Hopkins University

• Letter of Completion from Johns Hopkins University

• Completed AI Research Proposal for portfolio/résumé

• Recommendation Letters from programme faculty (at discretion)

• Official transcripts with 2 graduate-level credits (credit track only)

• Comprehensive feedback on research proposal and academic progress

❌ What's Not Included

• International airfare

• Visa application fees

• Personal expenses and pocket money

• Additional excursions beyond the scheduled programme

🌟 Programme Highlights

✅ Elite Institution – Learn from world-leading Johns Hopkins faculty at a top-ranked research university

✅ Cutting-Edge Curriculum – Explore AI's real-world applications in medicine, healthcare, cybersecurity, sustainability, and policy

✅ Research Experience – Design and present an AI research proposal addressing authentic real-world challenges

✅ Hands-On Lab Visits – Tour state-of-the-art research facilities and see AI innovation in action

✅ Industry Exposure – Visit leading technology companies and meet professionals working on AI

✅ Professional Development – Build essential career skills including ethical AI, LinkedIn branding, and US career practices

✅ Academic Credit Option – Earn 2 graduate-level credits toward future degree programmes (credit track)

✅ Global Community – Build international friendships with ambitious peers from around the world

💡 Why Choose This Programme

Build Foundational AI Knowledge Gain rigorous, research-driven understanding of how artificial intelligence works across diverse domains from healthcare to policy. Learn from pioneers shaping the field.

Develop Critical Thinking & Ethical Awareness Move beyond technical skills to thoughtfully examine AI's societal implications. Develop the ethical reasoning essential for responsible AI leadership.

Research Experience for Graduate Study Complete a meaningful research project that demonstrates your readiness for graduate programmes. Build relationships with faculty who can provide strong recommendations.

Connect Learning to Real-World Impact Explore how AI transforms medicine, public health, cybersecurity, and environmental sustainability. Understand the policy landscape surrounding AI innovation.

Professional Preparation Develop career competencies employers and graduate programmes expect, including professional presence, research communication, and strategic thinking about AI's future.

Exposure to World-Class Institution Experience university life at one of the world's leading research institutions. Build a network with faculty and peers pursuing AI careers globally.

🎤 Student Testimonials

"The lessons were so valuable, and I'm grateful to have learned so much alongside such amazing people." — Marcos, Summer 2025 Participant, Brazil

"I came here to explore the potential of why AI will change the world. This program is very exciting!" — Zhu, Summer 2024 Participant, China

"All the seminars were really useful ... now I think that I'm fully prepared to apply to colleges when the time comes." — Isabella, Summer 2025 Participant, Colombia

"It was a really fun time for me. I learned a lot ... it opened my mind. I would recommend this program to anyone that's interested in studying abroad or having international experience." — Nelson, Summer 2025 Participant, Colombia

"I've come back home with a lot of answers to my questions about my future." — Anna, Summer 2025 Participant, Brazil

"It was not only about academics ... it was also creating memories and meeting new people from all different countries." — Nadya, Summer 2025 Participant, Dominican Republic

"Those two weeks made my summer the best in my life. I highly recommend this program." — Yegor, Summer 2025 Participant, Kazakhstan

"Every moment felt like learning — from applying for the visa, to traveling here, to writing daily reflections. Everything helped me grow." — Saniya, Summer 2025 Participant, India

🌟 Overall Experience

This programme offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with artificial intelligence at one of the world's leading research institutions. Set on Johns Hopkins University's historic campus with access to cutting-edge laboratories and world-leading faculty, students gain deep understanding of AI's transformative potential while developing the critical thinking and ethical awareness needed for responsible innovation.

Through intensive lectures, hands-on research projects, professional development, and cultural immersion, students leave the programme with:

• Advanced understanding of artificial intelligence and its applications across domains

• Practical research experience and a completed capstone project

• Strong preparation for graduate study in AI, computer science, or related fields

• Professional competencies and career readiness

• Global network of peers and connections with leading researchers

• Clarity about future academic and career directions in AI

• Confidence and independence as emerging AI leaders

• Unforgettable memories and transformative personal growth

Join us for two weeks of intensive learning, discovery, and growth in Baltimore—where artificial intelligence is being engineered to address humanity's greatest challenges.