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| Clement Yedjou |
FAMU has been awarded a $500,000 grant by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to spearhead a collaborative research project that aims to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) into biology education. This innovative initiative is a partnership between FAMU and three other Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)—Jackson State University (JSU), Alcorn State University (ASU), and Grambling State University (GSU). The goal is to revolutionize biology curricula by equipping students with cutting-edge skills in AI and ML technologies.
The project, led by Clement G. Yedjou, Ph.D., an associate professor of biology and data science at FAMU, will focus on two primary objectives over a three-year period. The first objective is Faculty Training, where faculty members from all partner institutions will undergo training in AI and ML technologies to incorporate these tools into general biology courses. This is expected to enhance the learning outcomes for more than 700 students. The second objective is to assess Student Performance and Engagement by comparing AI/ML-enhanced courses against traditional biology courses. This will inform future curriculum innovations and their impact on student performance and engagement.
Dr. Yedjou highlighted the significance of this initiative, noting, "This project will provide our students with cutting-edge skills in AI and Machine Learning, preparing them for careers in data-intensive fields." He will collaborate with four co-principal investigators from each partner institution: Jinwei Liu, Ph.D. (FAMU), Felicite Noubissi-Kamdem, Ph.D. (JSU), Jameka Grigsby, Ph.D. (ASU), and Waneene Dorsey, Ph.D. (GSU).
The researchers at FAMU aim to develop a replicable model of AI/ML-integrated pedagogy that can be adopted by other institutions seeking to boost student success in general biology courses. Lekan Latinwo, Ph.D., chair of the Biological Sciences Department at the FAMU College of Science and Technology, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, "This initiative has the potential to revolutionize biology education at HBCUs, and we look forward to sharing our findings with the wider educational community."