Dr. Chrysanthe Preza awarded $478K for NSF proposal
June 29, 2026
Dr. Chrysanthe Preza received a $478,511 award from the National Science Foundation for the proposal “REU Site: Artificial Intelligence in Multidisciplinary Engineering Research for Guided Exploration (AI-MERGE)”.
Preza's proposal establishes AI-MERGE, an REU site at the University of Memphis, to address the growing need for AI-skilled engineers. Ten undergraduate students per year will participate in the project, working at the REU site and continuing their research throughout the academic year through the Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) Program.
Preza, director of Herff's VIP program and professor of electrical and computer engineering at the Herff College of Engineering, said this program will ensure that Herff's students are best prepared for the ever-changing world they step into upon graduation.
"I am very excited about our new REU project as it expands undergraduate research opportunities while preparing students to conduct research in an AI-driven world by leveraging the University's Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) Program. Undergraduate researchers will work alongside faculty and graduate student mentors on cutting-edge projects in computational imaging, biomedical systems, and smart infrastructure security and resilience, gaining hands-on experience applying artificial intelligence to solve real-world engineering challenges. By integrating students into multidisciplinary, vertically integrated research teams, the project provides a collaborative learning environment where they develop technical expertise, research skills, and confidence through tiered mentoring while contributing to impactful discoveries. These experiences prepare students for graduate study and careers in the rapidly evolving field of AI-enabled engineering. As the founding director of the VIP Program, I have seen firsthand how undergraduate research transforms student success, as demonstrated by the accomplishments of our VIP students," Preza said.
Those undergraduate students will receive training in AI techniques while participating on faculty-led research teams and tackling real-world engineering problems.
Additionally, Dr. Preza said the REU site will expand access to research and professional development for local students with limited opportunities, including those from local community colleges, 4-year universities and HBCUs.
"Through paid summer research experiences, the program will expose students to career paths including graduate studies and enable community college students to transfer to bachelor's programs," Preza said.
Along with expenses related to the REU, the NSF funding will support student travel to present their work at regional and national conferences.