Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The University of Tennessee received a $376,586 CAREER award from the National Science Foundation's Division of Computing and Communication Foundations (CFDA 47.070: Computer and Information Science and Engineering program) on August 1, 2026, with a completion date of July 31, 2031. This project develops and delivers low-cost, portable edge artificial intelligence (EdgeAI) tools that embed machine learning capabilities directly into small, inexpensive computing devices capable of operating without internet connectivity or specialized equipment. The deliverables enable resource-constrained communities across rural and underserved regions of the United States—including agricultural areas, Appalachian regions, and coal country—to independently create, adapt, and manage their own data systems for monitoring local environmental and agricultural conditions such as water safety, soil health, and food production.

Field research conducted with civic organizations in Appalachian Tennessee will generate design principles and best practices applicable to similar communities nationwide, with the ultimate goal of strengthening local capacity to detect and respond to community concerns while supporting health and economic welfare in technology-underserved areas. The project includes an educational component engaging undergraduate and K-12 students from rural and low-infrastructure settings in hands-on, place-based computing education to develop the next generation of computing professionals equipped to serve resource-constrained communities.