SU Public Relations
The National Science Foundation (NSF) is assisting Salisbury University (SU) in leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to address challenges faced by local agencies, businesses, and non-profits.
Dr. Clifton Griffin, Dr. Xiaohong “Sophie” Wang, and Michael Jensen have secured a three-year, $380,000 NSF grant for the project “Rural AI Solutions and Engagement (RAISE).” This initiative is part of the NSF’s “Enabling Partnerships to Increase Innovation Capacity” (EPIIC) program.
SU joins Valdosta State University and the University of Alaska – Anchorage in this endeavor, aiming to use AI technologies to solve local problems in rural areas.
Dr. Griffin hopes to change perceptions of AI from something suspenseful to a set of practical tools that can be used to help local partners. The project involves SU’s Computer Science Department and the Rommel Center for Entrepreneurship in various roles, including AI readiness, research, partnership building, and rural workforce development.
Dr. Christy Weer emphasizes that the Perdue School’s established community role will be enhanced by this grant, aiding local businesses and organizations through technological and networking support.
Michael Jensen highlights the potential of AI to revolutionize work, comparing it to the internet’s impact, and aims to help regional companies stay competitive.
The RAISE project focuses on:
- “Coming together” through AI workshops to revitalize local industries
- “Staying together” with sustained collaboration and trust-building
- “Growing together” by aligning technology with strategic business goals
Dr. Michael Scott notes that the new funding and partnership will expand SU’s role in supporting the regional business community.
Dr. Wang underscores the importance of including rural communities in the AI revolution, aiming to bolster SU’s AI research, education, and workforce training to promote regional economic prosperity.
The RAISE project aims to build essential capacities in research and partnership development for non-R1/R2 institutions in rural areas. By integrating AI within multidisciplinary frameworks, the project seeks to provide practical solutions in fields such as agriculture, energy, education, and healthcare, directly addressing local needs and improving community services.
