Hood College Receives $95,588 Award to Advance “Edge Intelligence” Education

Hood College is pleased to announce it has been awarded $95,588 through a collaborative grant submitted in partnership with Towson University, funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) under the Directorate for STEM’s Improving Undergraduate STEM Education grant program. This grant aims to bridge the educational gap in the emerging field of “edge intelligence,” a critical yet underrepresented area within STEM disciplines.

Edge intelligence represents a pivotal advancement in computing, involving the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) directly into devices at the edge of networks, such as sensors and IoT systems. Despite its significant practical applications, educational institutions face challenges in providing specialized training due to the field's inherent complexity, which spans from hardware intricacies to sophisticated AI algorithms.

In collaboration with Towson University, Hood College will embark on a groundbreaking project to address these challenges. The project’s primary objectives are to design and develop an innovative suite of four low-cost testbeds specifically tailored for edge intelligence education and research. These testbeds will serve as foundational tools for creating comprehensive instructional materials, including hands-on labs and case studies, which will be integrated into the curriculum at both participating institutions.

Key components of the project include:

• Design and Development of Testbeds: Creation of four low-cost, representative testbeds to facilitate edge intelligence education and research.

• Teaching Materials: Development of a comprehensive suite of teaching materials, including hands-on labs and case studies that utilize the new low-cost sensing and edge computing hardware and software.

• Curriculum Integration: Seamless incorporation of these labs and case studies into existing and new courses at Hood College and Towson University.

• Community and Dissemination: Organizing faculty workshops to share the developed materials and establish a local community for edge intelligence through student clubs and seminars.

The collaboration between Hood College and Towson University marks a significant step forward in addressing the educational needs surrounding edge intelligence, equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in this dynamic and rapidly evolving field.

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