Wilkes University Secures $1.2 Million NSF Grant for Innovation

Wilkes University has been awarded over $1.2 million in grant funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to foster innovation and workforce development in the region. This funding will support two significant projects aimed at enhancing technology education and strengthening partnerships between academia and industry.

Greg Cant, the university’s president, expressed pride in this achievement, stating, “This is a tremendous achievement for our faculty as well as the greater community.” The projects, 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),” are designed to address critical technology needs in the area.

Focus on Technology Education and Collaboration

Both initiatives aim to deliver comprehensive technology education while encouraging collaboration among industry stakeholders and academic experts. Abas Sabouni, a professor of mechanical engineering and chair of the mechanical and electrical engineering department, led both projects as principal investigator. He characterized the proposal process as an “intensive but rewarding experience” that brought together collaborators to create impactful programs.

“The long-term impact will be a sustainable model for connecting education, innovation, and industry in the northeastern Pennsylvania region and beyond,” Sabouni noted.

EXPLOR-NEPA is a three-year initiative funded by the NSF’s Experiential Learning for Emerging and Novel Technologies (ExLENT) program. Sabouni developed this project in collaboration with professors Edward Bednarz III, Asif Khan, and Yong Zhu. Their ongoing interactions with local school districts and industry partners highlighted an urgent need for enhanced access to hands-on technology experiences for students.

Sabouni emphasized the importance of introducing concepts of artificial intelligence and robotics earlier in the educational pipeline, particularly for students from underrepresented backgrounds. “We identified an urgent need to introduce artificial intelligence and robotics concepts earlier in the educational pipeline and to expand access for students from underrepresented and underserved backgrounds,” he stated.

Engaging High School Students in Emerging Technologies

The second project, BRIDGE-TECH, aims to provide high school students in the area with early exposure to AI-driven robotics and automation. In partnership with Production Systems Automation and local high schools, the initiative offers structured hands-on learning experiences, mentorship, and opportunities for dual enrollment that can lead to college credit.

“We hope to expand the program to additional school districts, integrate new technologies such as autonomous drones and smart manufacturing systems, and continue refining our experiential learning framework to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world,” Sabouni explained.

With these initiatives, Wilkes University aims to pave the way for future innovators and skilled professionals in technology, ensuring that the region remains competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape. The NSF grants represent a significant investment not only in education but also in the overall economic development of northeastern Pennsylvania.