Damon L. Woodard, Ph.D.

Professor,
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), University of Florida (UF)
Director,
Florida Institute for National Security (FINS) + Applied Artificial Intelligence (AAI) Group

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Dr. Woodard’s research interests include a broad range of applied artificial intelligence topics.
These include but are not limited to:

Artificial Intelligence Security/Evaluation
AI-enabled Hardware Assurance & Security
Counter Artificial Intelligence
AI Hardware Acceleration
Multi-modal Artificial Intelligence
Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI)

BACKGROUND

Dr. Woodard serves as the Director of the Florida Institute for National Security (FINS), where he leads applied research and workforce development efforts focused on the responsible use of artificial intelligence in national security contexts. He is a Professor in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at the University of Florida. He directs the Applied Artificial Intelligence Group, which focuses on translating AI research into capabilities that support complex, real-world decision environments.

Courses

EEL-6515 Image Processing and Computer Vision
(Spring 2026)

EEE- 6825 Pattern Recognition and Intelligent Systems
(Fall 2026)

FLORIDA INSTITUTE FOR NATIONAL SECURITY (FINS)

The nation’s leading interdisciplinary hub for the development of applied Artificial Intelligence (AI) & data science-based solutions, innovation, research & talent in support of national security.

The Florida Institute for National Security (FINS) is an interdisciplinary, cross-curricular entity that is galvanizing the robust research, education, and professional development efforts in Artificial Intelligence (AI) already underway at the University of Florida (UF) towards the development of deployable, applied AI-based and and data science in support of the most prevailing national security challenges.

FINS emerges in support of the UF’s AI Initiative, which aims to: build an AI University; make UF a leader in AI research and development; and, thus, play a crucial role in the transformation of Florida’s economy into a diversified, technology-driven, high-wage economy by implementing the integration of AI (coursework) Across the Curriculum, as well as providing upskilling and professional development opportunities to enable the future workforce to use AI technology to solve pressing challenges across every industry.

FINS extends this mission to the development of deployable, applied AI and data science in support of national security concerns such as defense, cybersecurity, ecology, medical informatics, the stability & logistics of our economy, microelectronics, supply-chains, transportation and communication systems.

I am available to provide subject matter expertise to commercial and government entities.