Applied AI Industry Advisor

Engagement Overview

ECPI University is seeking a seasoned AI industry practitioner on a contract basis to help modernize our Software Development and Cybersecurity curricula through practical, real-world AI integration.

This engagement is designed to bring current, hands-on industry AI experience directly into curriculum evolution at an applied university.  The advisor will work closely with the CTO and Academic leadership to ensure our graduates are prepared to work in AI-enabled software engineering and cybersecurity environments from day one.

Purpose of the Engagement

• Translate how AI is actually being used in software development and cybersecurity into curriculum enhancements.


• Identify where our programs lag behind industry AI adoption.


• Design practical, implementable integration strategies for AI tools and workflows.


• Help ensure AI is used to enhance student learning and not shortcut it.

Key Responsibilities

1. Industry Reality Assessment

• Evaluate how AI tools are transforming:




• Software development workflows


• Secure coding practices


• Cybersecurity operations


• Engineering productivity




• Identify capability gaps between industry practice and current curriculum.

1. Applied AI Integration Strategy

• Propose structured integration of tools such as:




• AI-assisted coding platforms


• Generative AI systems


• Security automation tools


• AI-driven testing and validation workflows




• Define where AI should be introduced in the student journey (beginner vs advanced courses).


• Recommend guardrails for responsible and ethical AI use.

1. Student-Centered Design

• Ensure recommendations account for:




• Students with no technical background.


• Students with prior experience.


• Working adults balancing school and employment.




• Design scaffolded approaches so AI enhances, rather than replaces, foundational skill development.

1. Faculty & Academic Collaboration

• Work alongside Deans and Program Directors to:




• Review course outcomes.


• Recommend updates to labs and assignments.


• Propose new AI-relevant modules or electives.




• Provide structured written recommendations and roadmaps.


• Participate in curriculum workshops as a technical subject matter advisor.

1. Implementation Guidance

• Recommend tooling, platforms, and lab environments.


• Advise on cost-effective deployment of AI platforms for student use.


• Help define measurable outcomes for curriculum modernization.

Ideal Background

• 8+ years in software engineering, cybersecurity, or related technical fields.


• Demonstrated real-world use of AI in production environments.


• Experience integrating AI tools into development or security workflows.


• Deep familiarity with generative AI tools and responsible AI considerations.


• Experience mentoring engineers or upskilling teams.


• Strong ability to communicate practical technical change to non-technical stakeholders.

Engagement Deliverables 

• AI Curriculum Gap Assessment (Software Development & Cybersecurity)


• Phased AI Integration Roadmap


• Specific course-level recommendations (labs, assignments, tooling)


• Executive summary for institutional leadership

What Success Looks Like

• Clear alignment between ECPI curriculum and modern AI-enabled workforce expectations.


• Practical implementation recommendations.


• Academic leadership confident in direction and industry relevance.