WT Researchers Win Grant for AI-Inclusive Plan to Boost Hispanic Students in STEM

Copy by Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, [email protected]

CANYON, Texas - A team of West Texas A&M University researchers recently won a $500,000 federal grant for a project designed to incorporate both family support and artificial intelligence in a plan to increase collegiate STEM success in Hispanic students.

"Our project addresses a pressing issue: Hispanic students, including many women and first-generation college students, often find it especially challenging to succeed in STEM fields-science, technology, engineering, and math," said Dr. Azi Tabei, assistant professor of electrical engineering and computer science in WT's College of Engineering. "Despite numerous programs aimed at supporting these students, they continue to face significant obstacles that can hinder their progress and prevent them from completing their degrees."

Data shows that the successful graduation rate of these groups is lower than their peers, Tabei said.

"One key focus of our project is the critical role of family support and role models within Hispanic communities," Tabei said. "We understand how important these elements are, and our initiatives are tailored to strengthen these connections. By making STEM education more relevant to these students' lives and the support they receive from their families, we aim to enhance their educational experience and outcomes."

The project, "HSI Implementation and Evaluation Project: STEM Student Empowerment through Mentorship, Family-Centric Innovation Activities, and Artificial Intelligence Research," won the grant through the National Science Foundation.

It will include a "robust mix of initiatives" designed to involve students and their families, Tabei said.

"Engaging underrepresented groups in STEM is crucial not only for promoting economic mobility and social integration but also for driving innovation," she said. "The underrepresentation of these groups in STEM fields limits the scope of ideas and solutions in technology and science, which is vital for fostering innovation."

The team also will place a strong emphasis on AI, she said.

"Integrating AI into our curriculum and projects does more than teach students about current technologies; it also prepares them for future challenges and opportunities," Tabei said. "This approach ensures that our students are not just keeping pace; they're equipped to lead and innovate. We're committed to transforming them from learners into leaders who are ready to tackle real-world problems using the best technologies available."

Tabei is the principal investigator for the project. Other team members include Dr. Behnam Askarian, assistant professor of electrical engineering; Dr. Audrey Meador, associate professor of mathematics; and Dr. Vinitha Subburaj, associate dean and associate professor of computer science.

The project could have wide-reaching implications, Tabei said.

"By integrating practical AI research and emphasizing STEM concepts that resonate with the local Hispanic community, our initiatives prepare students for advanced careers in technology and innovation," Tabei said. "This comprehensive approach aims to shape the future of STEM disciplines, ensuring our students are well-equipped to thrive in their academic and professional journeys."

Meeting area needs as a Regional Research University is the primary goal of the University's long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

That plan is fueled by the historic One West comprehensive fundraising campaign, which reached its initial $125 million goal 18 months after publicly launching in September 2021. The campaign's new goal is to reach $175 million by 2025; currently, it has raised nearly $160 million.

About West Texas A&M University

WT is located in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. WT, a Hispanic Serving Institution since 2016, boasts an enrollment of about 10,000 and offers 59 undergraduate degree programs and more than 40 graduate degrees, including two doctoral degrees. The University is also home to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the largest history museum in the state and the home of one of the Southwest's finest art collections. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 14 men's and women's athletics programs.

Photo: West Texas A&M University faculty researchers recently won a grant from the National Science Foundation to increase collegiate STEM success in Hispanic students. Pictured are, from left, Dr. Behnam Askarian, Dr. Azi Tabei and Dr. Audrey Meador.

-WT-

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.