Fairfield University gets $469,995 AI grant 

Fairfield University’s School of Engineering and Computing has been awarded a grant of $469,995 over four years (2024-2028) from the National Science Foundation for the advancement of AI. 

“The NSF ITEST grant I recently received aims to assist high school students in developing skills and career interests in the semiconductor fields through an innovative game-based learning platform, hands-on activities and industry field trips,” said Xiaoli Yang, Ph.D., professor and chair of computer science at the school and principal investigator of the grant, “Collaborative Research: A Semiconductor Curriculum and Learning Framework for High-Schoolers Using Artificial Intelligence, Game Modules and Hands-on Experiences.” 

This is part of a larger $1.3 million multi-institutional project grant, in partnership with University of Maine and Southern Methodist University, to develop the first game-based semiconductor learning materials incorporating AI and ChatGPT for high school students.  

“Our students will design and integrate an AI educator, a generative AI tool for education, into game-based learning.” Yang added. “The AI educator will provide students with suggestions, assistance and additional study materials about the subject matter. Moreover, the AI component will be responsible for fine-tuning the output content based on student’s interests, hobbies and preferences to make the learning experience more relatable.” 

For more, visit fairfield.edu/engineering.