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Youngstown State University Secures $320,000 NSF Grant for AI Literacy Curriculum Development

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Youngstown State University has made a significant stride in the field of artificial intelligence education with the receipt of a $320,000 grant from the National Science Foundation. The project, led by associate professor Corey Brozina, aims to develop a comprehensive curriculum on AI literacy for undergraduate engineering and technology students. This three-year initiative, titled "Developing Artificial Intelligence Literacy Among Undergraduate Engineering and Technology Students Through Case-Based Instruction," focuses on integrating AI into engineering education while addressing its societal and ethical challenges.

Key Takeaways:

  • The National Science Foundation grant awarded to Youngstown State University is valued at $320,000 and forms part of a larger $1.6 million NSF funding secured by Core Brozina, including the largest NSF grant in YSU history in 2020.
  • The project aims to equip students with both technical skills to use AI tools effectively and awareness to evaluate their societal and ethical impacts, preparing them for a future where AI is reshaping every field.
  • The new curriculum, developed in collaboration with Aditya Johri, will expose first-year engineering students to industry-related scenarios they are likely to encounter early in their careers, from automated hiring systems to sustainability concerns in AI computing.
  • The project involves collaboration with partners at other universities, including the University of Florida, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Texas A&M, Case Western, Virginia Tech, Ohio State, and Iowa State, to pilot and refine the case studies on AI literacy.
  • After piloting and refining the case studies on AI literacy at YSU, the materials will be shared and implemented in first-year engineering programs nationwide.
  • The grant supports curriculum development, expands research opportunities at YSU, including funding for undergraduate researchers, a two-year master's student, and a one-year postdoctoral position, as well as support for partner institutions.

Statistics:

  • Less than 12 percent of NSF applications nationwide are approved.
  • Youngstown State University has now secured roughly $1.6 million in NSF funding, including the largest NSF grant in YSU history in 2020.
  • The NSF's Division of Undergraduate Education (DUE) grants $320,000 to YSU.
  • The grant period officially begins October 1, 2023.
  • The project involves collaboration with 10 partner universities, including the University of Florida and Case Western.

Sources:

  • Ohio Youngstown State University news release. "Associate Professor Corey Brozina Awarded Fourth NSF Grant."

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