MSU ICER Training Opportunity:
Developing GenAI Applications with Amazon Web Services
Fall 2025
Program Overview
The Developing GenAI Applications with Amazon Web Services program is a non-credit training initiative available for current MSU graduate students and post-doctoral researchers interested in learning how to build research-focused applications based on GenAI services. This program builds foundational and practical skills in generative AI, culminating in the opportunity to propose and build real-world AI applications using AWS GenAI services. There are three distinct training opportunities for Fall 2025.
GenAI Training Opportunities
1. Asynchronous Training: Foundational GenAI on AWS
October 13th to December 6th (online/virtual)
This 15-hour, on-line course from AWS Academy is open to all MSU graduate students and post-docs. This course is self-paced and provides foundational knowledge in generative AI through AWS Academy. Participants will learn:
- Basics of AI and Generative AI
- Prompt engineering techniques
- Working with foundation models
- Responsible AI practices including privacy, security, and compliance
- Description of AWS GenAI services
- Guided use of the AWS free GenAI service https://partyrock.aws
2. Hands-On Workshop: Cloud GenAI Services on AWS
Saturday October 18, 9:30 am to 4:30pm 1440 BPS Building, MSU campus
Up to 30 participants may register for guided, experiential learning using AWS GenAI services such as Bedrock led by an AWS solutions architect. This all-day, in-person training includes:
Brief introduction to GenAI on AWS and MSU AI Policies
Hands-on tutorials in a sandbox environment leveraging like AWS services like Sagemaker and Bedrock Studio
Creating LLM-enabled data analysis pipelines based on AWS serverless technologies such as AWS Lambda
Optionally bring-your-own (public) data
Participants of this hands-on training should come with some familiarity with GenAI concepts (LLMs, Agents, RAGs) and cloud computing concepts (cloud storage, virtual machines, serverless computing) to be able to successfully complete tutorials covered for the hands-on workshop. Working through the first 5 modules of the foundational GenAI on-line course prior to attendance meets this requirement.
3. Pilot Project Development using AWS GenAI Services
October 31st to December 12th
Participants who complete both the above on-line and hands-on trainings will be invited to submit a short proposal to develop a small GenAI-based project that utilize AWS GenAI services such as Bedrock Studio or SageMaker along with other supporting services such as S3 storage. To complete a pilot research project, approximately 10 individuals with strong proposals will be awarded AWS credits to build and deploy their projects during the remainder of the semester. Projects must be completed by December 12th, 2025.
Projects could include but are not limited to:
Research tools powered by LLMs
GenAI-enhanced data analysis pipelines
Custom generative applications for internal use
Proposals to this program must include:
A proposed project description and how it's relevant to research;
A list of all of the AWS cloud services needed to complete the proposed project (which must include at least one AWS GenAI service);
An estimate of the costs using the AWS Pricing Calculator, and;
A description of the outcomes.
Applications will be evaluated by MSU ICER staff to ensure they comply with MSU policy and are related to MSU research. Research data used in pilot projects must be published and publicly accessible. Those completing GenAI projects will be eligible for an informal certificate from MSU ICER and will be able to present their projects in January 2026 (date and location TBD). Proposal development help is available from program coordinators starting October 20th.
Program Benefits
Flexible, non-credit training tailored for researchers
Practical experience with current AI tools beyond the basics
Mentorship and support from experienced technologists
Opportunity to build and showcase real-world AI projects
Exposure to compliance, governance, and responsible AI frameworks
Registration, Eligibility, and Requirements
These programs are open to all current MSU graduate students and post-doctoral researchers
GenAI Foundations On-line Course Registration Form
Limited to 100 participants. Registration is open until November 1 or until registration is full. Course concludes December 6, 2025. No previous experience with AI, LLMs or programming is necessary for foundational online training.
Developing GenAI applications using AWS, hands-on workshop registration form
in-person, October 18th 9:30 to 4:00 pm, MSU Campus. Limited to 30 participants, first-come first-serve
Familiarity with GenAI concepts (LLMs, Agents, RAGs) concepts is strongly encouraged. Basic familiarity/understanding of cloud computing concepts and services such as cloud storage, and serverless computing, is recommended but not required for participants to be able to complete tutorials covered for the hands-on workshop. No previous programming/coding experience is required. The tutorials will not rely on programming. A working laptop computer with up-to-date web browser is required. Lunch is provided.
AWS GenAI Pilot Project Development Program, remote, November 1st to December 12th
There is no public registration form for this component of the program. Completion of both foundational online training and the hands-on workshop above is a requirement for participation in a program to develop a pilot project using AWS GenAI services. Those who complete both trainings above will be invited directly to submit an application to AWS credits to complete a project.
Platform & Support
AWS Academy provides free training and technical support. AWS Solutions Architects assist with account setup and tailored lectures. Future iterations may include other platforms such as Microsoft Azure or Google Cloud, depending on funding and institutional partnerships.
Additional Training Opportunities
ICER has GenAI tools available on the MSU High Performance Compute cluster and provides documentation and will provide additional training for using these GenAI tools.
The ICER Cloud Computing Foundations training program provides free, online training for graduate students and post-doctoral students.
For questions or inquiries about this program, please contact Patrick Bills, billspat@msu.edu (MSU ICER Research Software Engineer), or Dr. Julian Venegas venegas5@msu.edu (MSU ICER Research Consultant)
Link to this document: https://michiganstate.sharepoint.com/:w:/s/ICER-Team/EfJb-ECpkt9DgvT1Qo2OZCYB7DaHcmSfOtJFB49YMLyOqQ?e=iRiKzl