Wilkes University has been awarded over $1.2 million in grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF). This funding aims to foster innovation and workforce development in the region. The university’s president, Greg Cant, described the grants as a significant achievement that benefits both faculty and the wider community.
The two funded projects are 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).” Both initiatives are designed to meet critical technology needs by enhancing access to technology education and fostering collaborations between academia and industry.
The principal investigator for both projects, Abas Sabouni, who serves as a professor of mechanical engineering and chair of the mechanical and electrical engineering department, emphasized the importance of collaboration in the proposal process. He described it as an “intensive but rewarding experience” that aimed to create comprehensive programs with a lasting impact.
Sabouni noted, “The long-term impact will be a sustainable model for connecting education, innovation, and industry in the northeastern Pennsylvania region and beyond.”
Initiatives Focused on Technology Education
EXPLOR-NEPA is a three-year initiative funded by the NSF’s Experiential Learning for Emerging and Novel Technologies (ExLENT) program. It was developed by Sabouni along with colleagues Edward Bednarz III, Asif Khan, and Yong Zhu. The team identified a pressing need for increased access to hands-on technology experiences, particularly for students from underrepresented and underserved backgrounds.
“We recognized an urgent need to introduce artificial intelligence and robotics concepts earlier in the educational pipeline,” Sabouni explained. The project aims to bridge this gap by offering experiential learning opportunities that prepare students for future technological challenges.
The BRIDGE-TECH initiative, led by Wilkes in partnership with Production Systems Automation and local high schools, seeks to expose high school students to AI-driven robotics and automation. It will provide structured hands-on learning experiences, mentorship, and dual enrollment opportunities for students to earn college credit.
Future Aspirations and Community Impact
Sabouni expressed hopes for the program’s expansion, mentioning plans to integrate new technologies such as autonomous drones and smart manufacturing systems. He emphasized the goal of continually refining the experiential learning framework to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
The grants from the NSF not only represent a financial investment but also a commitment to enhancing educational opportunities in northeastern Pennsylvania. By focusing on collaboration and innovation, Wilkes University aims to create a sustainable model that benefits students and the regional workforce as a whole.
As these initiatives unfold over the coming years, they promise to open doors for future partnerships and continuous growth in the fields of technology and education.
