Missouri State University has received a $489,183 National Science Foundation grant to fund undergraduate research in artificial intelligence, deep learning and related technologies. The three-year award marks the computer science department's first NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates Site grant, creating paid summer research positions for students starting October 1.
What the grant funds
The "REU Site: Applied Research in Deep Learning" project will give students hands-on research experience in deep learning, cybersecurity, robotics, autonomous systems and social media analysis. Over three summers, 30 undergraduate students will work directly with faculty members on emerging technology challenges. The program also continues during the academic year through monthly meetings where participants present research findings and receive guidance on graduate education and STEM career paths.
Principal investigator Mohammed Belkhouche leads the project, with co-principal investigators Siming Liu and Mukulika Ghoshe. The research team includes Jamil Saquer, Hui Liu, CNAS Dean Magdalena Toda and department head Ajay Katangur.
Building research skills beyond the classroom
Belkhouche said the experience is designed to push students past traditional coursework. "Hands-on research allows students to move beyond learning established concepts in the classroom and work on problems for which the answers are not already known," he said. Students will examine how artificial intelligence can address real-world problems while gaining experience relevant to future academic and professional goals in STEM fields.
Katangur called the award "a significant milestone for the department of computer science" that reflects the growing depth and quality of faculty research. "As our department expands its work in AI, deep learning, cybersecurity and autonomous systems, this REU Site provides an important opportunity to bring talented undergraduate students into that research environment," he said.
From participants to researchers
University leaders said the program will strengthen Missouri State's research environment while giving students room to develop their own projects. Belkhouche described the intended arc: "We're looking forward to seeing students' progress from arriving at MO State as undergraduate participants to developing their own research ideas, producing meaningful results and presenting their original research at the end of the program."
The program includes professional development activities and opportunities to connect with peers and industry professionals. For educators tracking how universities structure undergraduate AI Research Courses, the Missouri State model offers a template that combines summer immersion with academic-year continuity.
Why this matters for education professionals
This grant signals NSF's continued investment in undergraduate AI training at regional public universities, not just elite research institutions. For faculty and administrators building similar programs, the Missouri State structure - pairing summer research with monthly academic-year meetings and explicit graduate school preparation - provides a replicable framework. The funding also creates a pipeline of students with documented research experience, which can strengthen applications for graduate programs and industry roles in AI for Education and adjacent fields.
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