Talwar College earns $500K-plus in research grants
August 26, 2025Indiana Tech’s Talwar College of Engineering and Computer Sciences recently received three research grants totaling more than $500,000 from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Ball Venture Fund.
One grant, awarded by the NSF, is part of a collaborative national initiative intended to strengthen STEM education at the high school level. The project, titled “Collaborative Research: A Semiconductor Curriculum and Learning Framework for High-Schoolers Using Artificial Intelligence (AI), Game Modules, and Hands-on Experiences,” will be led at Indiana Tech by Dr. Xiaoli (Lucy) Yang, dean of the Talwar College of Engineering and Computer Sciences. Dr. Yang will be collaborating with professors from the University of Maine and Southern Methodist University. The project will run from Aug. 19, 2025, through May 31, 2028.
Bringing together expertise from multiple disciplines including semiconductors, AI, gaming and education, the project seeks to create an engaging and accessible learning framework for high school students. The aim is to spark early interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics by introducing key concepts through interactive and hands-on experiences.
The second grant, also awarded by the NSF, is for another collaborative project—this time with Fairfield University and Prairie View A&M University. The aim of the project is to advance ethical education in the field of AI. Indiana Tech’s Dr. Changhao Chenli, Professor Zhaojun (David) Li, and Dr. Yang will lead the work.
As AI continues to shape both personal and professional aspects of modern life, the project focuses on preparing students to approach AI development with a strong ethical foundation. The initiative will run from Oct. 1, 2025, through Sept. 30, 2028.
Finaly, the Ball Venture Fund awarded the Talwar College a grant to launch an AI-powered platform and deliver in-person tech education to senior communities in the Fort Wayne area. This innovative program is designed to help seniors confidently navigate the digital world through hands-on training and personalized AI support—bridging the technology gap in meaningful ways. Dr. Yang is leading the work on this project with a team that has yet to be determined.
“These grants reflect the incredible momentum and impact of the Talwar College of Engineering and Computer Sciences. By bringing together leading-edge research in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, ethics and education, we are not only advancing innovation but also making technology more accessible—from inspiring high school students to preparing future engineers to supporting our senior community. We are honored by this support from the National Science Foundation and the Ball Venture Fund, and excited to see the positive difference these projects will make.”