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In 2024, Sam Houston State University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine received a $5 million grant to create a new master’s degree. But SHSU-COM Dean Dr. Thomas Mohr said the vision evolved when they grew a group of artificial intelligence experts. SHSU-COM’s Medical AI Institute, announced last November, is underway with initiatives such as developing graduate certificates, Director Vinoth Sittaramane said.

What you need to know: Sittaramane said the new Medical AI Institute is centered around three objectives: education, research and clinical care. 

Quote of note: “At the center of all of this, I think the belief is that technology should support people, especially patients, physicians, students and communities in a way that is practical, ethical and human-centered,” Sittaramane said.

Some context: Alongside the Medical AI Institute, SHSU-COM is also preparing to launch its new master’s program this fall, pending final approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The new master’s in applied biomedical sciences will feature four specialized tracks, one of which will be in medical/health care artificial intelligence.

The ice cream franchise Crispy Cones opened a new location in Conroe, owner Brian Patrick confirmed.

Two-minute impact: According to its website, Crispy Cones is a franchise that features a crispy waffle cone baked rotisserie-style with gourmet soft serve ice cream, originally popularized in Europe. The restaurant brokered a deal on Season 14 of Shark Tank in 2022, and has since expanded to over 30 locations nationwide.

• 2200 N. Frazier St., Ste. 135, Conroe

Montgomery ISD officials are rolling out new guidelines for faculty and students this 2026-27 school year in regards to generative artificial intelligence usage in and outside of the classroom, according to pending plans presented at the June 9 board of trustees special meeting.

Some context: The intended purpose of the AI guidelines overhaul is to expand students’ knowledge of the growing systems and encourage responsible usage, while at the same time holding parties accountable for mishandling of school-provided tools, MISD’s technology department staff said.

In a nutshell: Beginning this fall, MISD students will obtain access to AI-approved platforms through credentials provided by their respective schools, according to the showcased plans. The types of platforms and how much freedom the individual student has to use them will vary depending on their age and grade level.

The outlook: MISD officials emphasized during the meeting that as generative AI becomes more prevalent in and outside the walls of academia, it is important that its institutions teach students how to use said tools responsibly and ethically.

The Houston-Galveston Area Council has named Ron Papsdorf as its new executive director, officials announced in a June 16 news release. Papsdorf, who is currently serving as H-GAC’s chief transportation officer, will replace Chuck Wemple, who is retiring after eight years.

Diving in: In his current role, Papsdorf oversees transportation across the region and assists local governments in collaborating on transportation projects, per the release. Papsdorf previously served as a division director at the Denver Regional Council of Governments, where he led the Metropolitan Planning Organization.

“I am honored to be chosen by the H-GAC board to serve the region in this new role,” Papsdorf said in the release. “Our region is growing and changing rapidly, and I am eager to work with the board, our staff, our communities and our partners to make us the best region in the country to live, work and do business.”

Looking ahead: Papsdorf will begin his role as executive director July 13, per the release.