Wilkes Secures $1.2M NSF Grant to Fuel Innovation | PRIMENEWSNOW

Wilkes University Secures Over $1.2 Million in NSF Grants

Wilkes University has been awarded more than $1.2 million in grants from the National Science Foundation, aimed at fostering innovation and workforce development in the region.

“This accomplishment is a significant milestone for both our faculty and the broader community,” stated President Greg Cant.

Innovative Projects to Drive Technological Growth

The grants will fund two key initiatives: “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).” These projects are crafted to meet essential technological demands by promoting tech education, enhancing academic-industry collaborations, and sparking regional innovation.

Leadership and Vision

Abas Sabouni, a professor and department chair in mechanical and electrical engineering, led both projects. He described the proposal process as “intensive yet fulfilling,” highlighting the collaborative effort to create proposals and programs that pave the way for future partnerships and impactful outcomes.

“Our goal is to establish a sustainable model that links education, innovation, and industry in northeastern Pennsylvania and beyond,” Sabouni explained.

Experiential Learning Initiative

EXPLOR-NEPA, a three-year program funded by the NSF’s Experiential Learning for Emerging and Novel Technologies (ExLENT) initiative, was developed by Sabouni along with colleagues Edward Bednarz III, Asif Khan, and Yong Zhu. The team recognized a pressing need for practical technology experience through collaboration with local schools and industry partners.

“We saw an urgent need to introduce AI and robotics concepts earlier in education and to broaden access for students from underrepresented backgrounds,” Sabouni noted.

BRIDGE-TECH: Connecting Students with Future Technologies

In collaboration with Production Systems Automation and local high schools, BRIDGE-TECH aims to give high school students early exposure to AI-driven robotics and automation. The program offers hands-on learning, mentorship, and dual enrollment opportunities for college credit.

“Our vision is to expand this program to more school districts, incorporate new technologies like autonomous drones and smart manufacturing systems, and continually refine our learning framework to adapt to the fast-evolving world,” Sabouni added.