AI Learning Hub to Accelerate Hanford Innovation, Strengthen Workforce Skills

Professor Harper “collaborates” with creator Christopher Hudson as they bring the future of adaptive artificial intelligence learning to life at the 222-S Laboratory at the Hanford Site.

RICHLAND, Wash. — A new online platform at the Hanford Site helps employees build confidence with artificial intelligence (AI) and supports the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) vision for a more modern, efficient and technology-enabled workforce.

What sets this AI learning hub apart isn’t just the content, but its focus on personalized, adaptive learning. Instead of a static curriculum, employees receive guidance tailored to their knowledge and comfort level with the technology.

At the center of the hub is Professor Harper, a digital AI instructor created by software engineer Christopher Hudson with Hanford contractor Navarro-ATL. He designed Harper with a simple idea: AI is often best learned by interacting with AI.

To make that interaction easier, Hudson gave Harper an approachable and mentor-like instruction style, which reduces the intimidation often associated with learning new technologies. The new hub teaches employees responsible, mission-aligned AI skills that can be applied to analytical and technical work supporting the Hanford mission.

Professor Harper and the AI learning hub fill an important training niche, offering adaptive, gap-focused instruction rather than a traditional one-size-fits-all course. Built on the Hanford AI Liaison, or HAL, program, Harper’s training approach ensures all instruction meets sitewide standards for safe and responsible AI use.

As the contractor operating the 222-S Laboratory, Navarro-ATL is committed to transforming 222-S into the “lab of the future” by improving workflows, optimizing processes and ensuring the smart use of taxpayer dollars. The laboratory serves as the analytical backbone of Hanford’s evolving cleanup mission, providing scientific data that informs critical decisions related to tank waste management, treatment and environmental restoration.

“Innovation is not optional — it’s essential if we want to meet the DOE’s vision for a more efficient, modern and mission-driven Hanford Site,” says Mark Hughey, Navarro-ATL general manager. “By giving employees hands-on training and a clear path to build real skills, we’re preparing our workforce to use these innovative tools in ways that directly support the mission and present significant opportunities to accelerate cleanup activities while lowering long-term costs.”

With interest growing, Professor Harper and the AI learning hub may become available beyond the 222-S Laboratory across the site.