Wilkes University Secures $1.2M NSF Grant for Tech Innovation

Wilkes University has been awarded over $1.2 million in grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to bolster innovation and workforce development in the region. The funding supports two significant projects aimed at enhancing technology education and fostering collaboration between academia and industry.

Greg Cant, President of Wilkes University, expressed pride in this achievement, stating, “This is a tremendous achievement for our faculty as well as the greater community.” The two initiatives, titled “Experiential Learning for Artificial Intelligence-Driven Robotics in Northeast Pennsylvania (EXPLOR-NEPA)” and “Building Relationships in Innovation and Development for Growth in Emerging Technologies (BRIDGE-TECH),” are designed to address pressing technological needs in the area.

Focus on Education and Collaboration

Both projects aim to improve access to technology education and promote partnerships among various stakeholders. Abas Sabouni, a professor of mechanical engineering and chair of the mechanical and electrical engineering department, is the principal investigator for both initiatives. He described the proposal process as an “intensive but rewarding experience” that brought collaborators together to create comprehensive proposals and impactful programs.

The long-term goal of these projects is to establish a sustainable model for connecting education, innovation, and industry in northeastern Pennsylvania and beyond. Sabouni emphasized the importance of addressing the growing need for hands-on technology experience in local schools.

EXPLOR-NEPA, funded through the NSF’s Experiential Learning for Emerging and Novel Technologies (ExLENT) program, is a three-year initiative developed by Sabouni, along with colleagues Edward Bednarz III, Asif Khan, and Yong Zhu. Faculty members identified an urgent need to introduce concepts of artificial intelligence and robotics at earlier stages in education, especially for students from underrepresented and underserved backgrounds.

Engaging Local High Schools

The BRIDGE-TECH project, led in partnership with Production Systems Automation and local high schools, aims to provide students with early exposure to AI-driven robotics and automation. Through structured hands-on learning, mentorship, and dual enrollment opportunities, students can earn college credit while gaining valuable skills.

Sabouni highlighted the program’s vision for expansion, stating, “We hope to expand the program to additional school districts, integrate new technologies such as autonomous drones and smart manufacturing systems, and continue refining our experiential learning framework to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.”

This funding from the NSF not only underscores the importance of adapting educational frameworks to meet technological advancements but also reflects a commitment to fostering an innovative workforce in northeastern Pennsylvania. The collaborative efforts between Wilkes University, local educational institutions, and industry partners stand to benefit students and the broader community significantly.