Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon (D-Utica/Rome) announced that Dr. Michael Hayduk was appointed to the New York State Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Automation Commission. Buttenschon recommended Dr. Hayduk, who currently serves as the Acting Director of Rome’s Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) Information Directorate, for this prestigious position last year.

“From the new drone corridor to the creation of an Open Innovation Campus at Griffiss International Airport, Central New York – and particularly the Mohawk Valley – has become a hub for innovation and technological advancement,” Buttenschon said. “Dr. Hayduk’s outstanding leadership and research in the cyber technology field has been a critical part of our region’s progress, and this position will allow him to take on new challenges and help our state remain at the forefront of these emerging industries. I extend my warmest congratulations to Dr. Hayduk and look forward to seeing this industry continue to flourish.”

The New York State Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Automation Commission was established last year to study the latest uses and impacts of these technologies and determine how the state can best utilize and regulate them. The commission consists of 13 members, two of which are appointed by the speaker of the Assembly.

Dr. Hayduk is a lifelong resident of Central New York and studied electrical engineering at Clarkson University and the University of Virginia before earning his doctorate at Cornell University. He is also a graduate of Air War College and Leadership Mohawk Valley. Dr. Hayduk joined AFRL in 1991, where he previously served as a research engineer and chief of the Computing and Communication Division. While currently serving as the acting director, he was appointed to the position of deputy director of the AFRL Information Directorate in 2019, which is the nation’s premier research organization for command, control, communications, computers, intelligence and cyber technologies. Dr. Hayduk has received many accolades for his work, including the Air Force Civilian Achievement Award and numerous Special Act and Scientific Achievement awards.