Federal Grant Award Summary

The College of William & Mary received a $499,928 CAREER (Collaborative Research: EArly-concept Grants for Exploratory Research) award from the National Science Foundation's Division of Computing and Communication Foundations (CFDA 47.070) to develop graph learning (GL) algorithms and educational resources for dynamic systems. The project, which runs from July 15, 2026 through June 30, 2031, focuses on creating new GL methods that can explain and forecast changes in connected systems—such as coastal sensor networks, manufacturing workflows, and power grids—that do not remain static over time. The research deliverable involves developing a graph dynamics modeling framework with temporal, spectral, and energy characterizations using vector fields and spectral analysis to capture how network structures and node features evolve.

In addition to its research component, the award funds a comprehensive education and outreach ecosystem designed to build workforce capacity in dynamic graph learning and online prediction. Educational products and services include modular course units, interactive demonstrations, online tutorials, open-source software, and teacher guides for undergraduate, graduate, and precollege learners. The project will deliver experiential learning activities including undergraduate research mentorship on real dynamic data from marine systems, manufacturing, energy, and scholarly networks; summer camps and datathon-style challenges; K-12 and public outreach through student-led artificial intelligence events, hackathons, and peer mentorship programs; and professional development resources for high school teachers. These activities are intended to broaden access to modern artificial intelligence education and improve public understanding of data-driven technologies in changing environments.