University of Iowa's AI Club Celebrates One-Year Anniversary

Applied AI club continues to expand membership and leadership as it provides learning opportunities about artificial intelligence.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:04pm

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A highly detailed, 3D macro illustration of a complex, glowing AI neural network, with neon cyan and magenta lights pulsing through a web of interconnected circuits and processors, conveying the power and potential of emerging artificial intelligence technology.As the University of Iowa's AI-focused club celebrates its first anniversary, the vibrant glow of its growing community reflects the rapid advancement and expanding influence of artificial intelligence.Iowa City Today

The University of Iowa's first and only club focused on artificial intelligence, Applied AI, has reached its one-year anniversary since being founded in April 2025. The club was created by Tippie College of Business students Gabe Harris and Mac Van Fleet, who serve as president and vice president, to provide a space for students to learn about AI outside of the classroom. The club has grown to over 400 members and hosts regular meetings with guest speakers, hands-on workshops, and discussions around the ethics of AI.

Why it matters

The creation and growth of the Applied AI club at the University of Iowa highlights the increasing student interest and demand for learning opportunities in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence. As AI becomes more prevalent in various industries, providing educational resources and a community for students to explore this technology is crucial.

The details

Applied AI was founded by Tippie College of Business students Gabe Harris and Mac Van Fleet, who serve as president and vice president, respectively. The club was conceived after Harris and Van Fleet took a course on AI with UI associate professor Tyler Bell and identified a lack of learning opportunities outside the classroom. The club's goal is to provide a space for students to learn about AI through guest speakers, hands-on workshops, and discussions around the ethics of the technology.

  • Applied AI was founded in April 2025.
  • The club celebrates its one-year anniversary in April 2026.

The players

Gabe Harris

Tippie College of Business third-year student and president of the Applied AI club.

Mac Van Fleet

Tippie College of Business third-year student and vice president of the Applied AI club.

Tyler Bell

UI associate professor of electrical and computer engineering who taught the AI course that inspired the creation of the Applied AI club.

Nate Herkleman

UI alumnus who founded the AI company Uppit AI and has been a guest speaker for the Applied AI club.

Andrea Mach

One of the first BeReal employees and the founder of the AI-powered chatbot Peekz, who has also been a guest speaker for the Applied AI club.

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What they’re saying

“The goal of the club was to learn about AI, and we have learned a ton. I mean, we've met a lot of the guest speakers, personally gotten to know them, and gotten their backstories. Learning more about their knowledge has been huge.”

— Gabe Harris, President, Applied AI club

“Just by putting up bipartisan statements about AI and then opening it up to either good, bad, for, or against comments. There's honestly not a ton of guardrails on what we address. Obviously, we keep it very respectable. Everybody's very understanding, and nobody's arguing against each other. They're just simply stating disagreeing points.”

— Gabe Harris, President, Applied AI club

“It's been very impactful for me, a community that we've created around such an interesting topic that's moving so fast. We're not experts. Nobody on the executive board is an expert. And so when we're in these meetings, everybody's kind of learning and going through this process together.”

— Mac Van Fleet, Vice President, Applied AI club

What’s next

The Applied AI club plans to continue expanding its consulting branch to work with more businesses in the Iowa City community that are looking to learn about or implement AI in their operations.

The takeaway

The growth and success of the Applied AI club at the University of Iowa demonstrates the strong student interest in learning about artificial intelligence and the importance of providing educational resources and a community for students to explore this rapidly evolving technology.