Project Grant 2623133

The National Science Foundation Division of Graduate Education awarded Cleveland State University five hundred thousand dollars on September 1, 2026, under the STEM Education program (CFDA 47.076) to develop and validate educational approaches that prepare engineering students and faculty to secure artificial intelligence-integrated operational technology systems critical to manufacturing, power generation, water treatment, and transportation infrastructure.

The project addresses a national workforce gap by creating hands-on learning modules, faculty professional development initiatives, and openly shared educational resources centered on three research thrusts. The work will define AI-integrated cybersecurity competencies for engineers by integrating the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education workforce framework, NIST security guidance, and CISA principles into an engineering-focused competency model. The project will design AI-enhanced, scenario-driven laboratory modules embedding AI attack vectors, impacts, and AI-assisted cyber defense into existing chemical, civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering laboratory courses. The effort will strengthen engineering educators' capacity to teach cybersecurity while expanding K–12 outreach and teacher engagement to broaden STEM participation pathways.

Work is performed in Cleveland, Ohio, with a period of performance from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2029. The assistance type is a Project Grant.