Bowie State Awarded Grant for Artificial Intelligence Research

Grant Supports AI Curriculum Development and Research

MEDIA CONTACT: Jonathan Saxon, [email protected], 301-860-3607

(BOWIE, Md.) - Bowie State University has received a $400,000 National Science Foundation grant designed to increase artificial intelligence usage and inclusivity among historically underrepresented groups.

Business professor Dr. Rand Obeidat, leader of the grant project, envisions using the funds to upgrade Bowie State's hardware and software capacities to bring enhanced AI tools into the classroom across multiple academic departments and disciplines.

"While this initiative reaches across BSU's campus, it plays a particularly impactful role in supporting our students and faculty in data analytics, information systems, biology, education, computer science, criminal justice, finance, economics, and several other disciplines," said Dr. Obeidat, who applied for the grant. "Through enhanced infrastructure, targeted training, and collaborative research opportunities, we are creating an inclusive pathway for our students to excel in AI."

The grant from the NSF's Expanding Use-Inspired AI Research and Instruction Across Campus initiative will give Bowie State students and faculty access to a robust AI research infrastructure and exclusive workshops designed to foster practical AI competencies.

Additional benefits include hands-on learning experiences, direct mentorship and opportunities for faculty and students to collaboratively publish their research outcomes. The grant aims to integrate advanced AI tools, including generative AI and large language models (LLMs) like GPT-3 and GPT-4, into both research and curriculum.

Dr. Obeidat sees the investment in AI as another example of Bowie State's commitment to investing in the latest technology to create the most impactful educational experience for students and position the university as a leading academic institution in the nation.

"We are focusing on different dimensions like institutional viability, academic excellence and student success," said Dr. Obeidat. "In order to align with these pillars, we need to stay current and equip our students and faculty members with technology that we have in the industry."

Updating the university's AI capabilities would have multiple direct impacts for students. The new tools can help with designing a more engaging classroom experience, and the inclusion of AI-centered activities in curriculum design will enhance the students' competency with the technology, which is growing more ubiquitous across all industries.

"It will provide students with infrastructure needed to work on hands-on activities," said Dr. Obeidat. "Faculty and students will work collaboratively to be productive using these AI competencies. This will create a pipeline of students who are adaptable and can use AI in their future careers."

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About Bowie State University
Founded in 1865, Bowie State University is the first Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in Maryland and one of the ten oldest in the country. As a leading institution of higher learning, Bowie State offers more than 65 bachelor's, master's, doctoral and certificate programs across arts and sciences, technology, business, education, healthcare and related disciplines. The university provides high-quality and affordable educational opportunities in a supportive environment that empowers students to think critically, make new discoveries, value differences and emerge as leaders in a highly technical, rapidly changing global society. For more information about Bowie State University, visit bowiestate.edu.

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