Federal Grant Award Summary

Missouri State University received a $489,183 Project Grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Division of Computing and Communication Foundations under the Computer and Information Science and Engineering program (CFDA 47.070), awarded October 1, 2026, with completion targeted for September 30, 2029. This Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Site award supports a structured, research-intensive undergraduate training program designed to engage 30 students from computer science, engineering, information technology, and related disciplines in applied deep learning research over the three-year performance period. The program delivers hands-on research experiences, faculty mentorship, and professional skills training in scientific writing, oral communication, teamwork, and responsible research practices.

The core products delivered through this award include student-conducted research projects focused on contemporary applications of deep learning methodologies, specifically addressing real-world challenges in cybersecurity, robotics, hate speech detection in social media, and autonomous systems. Research activities encompass the full pipeline of modern deep learning work—including data preprocessing, model design, training, and evaluation—with emphasis on both methodological advances and applied system development. Beyond research outputs, the program provides structured training and a collaborative environment that strengthens participants' technical abilities and confidence as emerging researchers, preparing the next generation of scientists and engineers for careers in deep learning and related fields.