Division of Research & Innovation
Memphis–Mississippi Applied Artificial Intelligence Research (M2AIR) Program Funds Six Collaborative Projects
University of Memphis and University of Mississippi strengthen regional AI innovation through joint research initiative
The Memphis–Mississippi Applied Artificial Intelligence Research (M2AIR) Program has
awarded funding to six collaborative research projects designed to advance innovation
and strengthen artificial intelligence (AI) research across the Mid-South. Established
as a joint initiative between the University of Memphis and the University of Mississippi,
M2AIR supports interdisciplinary, interinstitutional teams working to develop and
apply AI technologies that drive discovery, address complex challenges, and promote
regional economic growth.
Each M2AIR project is co-led by faculty principal investigators from both institutions, leveraging complementary expertise to enhance research outcomes and position teams for future external funding opportunities. The program aligns with national priorities outlined in America’s National AI Research and Development Strategic Plan, Winning the AI Race: America’s AI Action Plan, and broader federal AI research and development priorities.
Following a joint review process, the University of Memphis and the University of Mississippi selected six projects for funding. Each project will receive $10,000 in total support, with $5,000 contributed by each institution. Funding will support key research activities, including student engagement, data collection and analysis, materials and supplies, and collaborative travel.
Funded Projects and Teams:
- “Identifying Systemic and Genetic Drivers of High Alzheimer’s Mortality in Mississippi and the Mid-South Using AI/ML” – Lan Wang (University of Memphis, Computer Science); Feng Wang (University of Mississippi, Computer and Information Science)
- “Mid-South AI-Guided Autobiography (M-SAGA) for Isolated Older Adults” – Seok Won Jin (University of Memphis, Social Work); Hawk Bo Wang (University of Mississippi, Computer and Information Science); Sohye Lee (University of Memphis, Nursing); Kallol Kumar Bhattacharyya (University of Memphis, Public Health); Hyejin Park (University of Mississippi, Communication Sciences & Disorders)
- “Integration of Computer Vision and Diffusion-Based Generative Models for Noninvasive Thermometry in Thermal Therapies” – Hayden Carlton (University of Memphis, Biomedical Engineering); Hong Xiao (University of Mississippi, Computer and Information Science); Yixin Chen (University of Mississippi, Computer and Information Science)
- “Thinking Aloud with AI: Navigating Hepatitis B Vaccine Trust and Policy Divergence in the Mid-South from Preconception to Parenthood” – Amanda Sams (University of Mississippi, Integrated Marketing Communications); Matthew Haught, Ruoxu Wang, and Kim Marks-Malone (University of Memphis, Journalism & Strategic Media); Jason Cain (University of Mississippi, Journalism); Marie Barnard (U of Mississippi – Pharmacy Administration, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Public Health)
- “Identifying Systemic and Genetic Drivers of High Alzheimer’s Mortality in Mississippi and the Mid-South Using AI/ML” – Dayou Yu (University of Memphis, Data Science); Sushil Mishra (University of Mississippi, Biomedical Engineering)
- “Using AI Generative Tools as an Innovative Approach to Developing Novel Antifungal Compounds” – Tanei Ricks and Ilya Bulanov (University of Memphis, Chemistry); Robert Doerksen and Manal Alhusban (University of Mississippi, Biomedical Engineering)
This initiative reflects the University of Memphis’s commitment to expanding strategic research partnerships and building regional capacity in applied artificial intelligence. The 2025–2026 M2AIR cohort highlights the growing collaboration between the two institutions and underscores the role of seed funding in catalyzing innovative, high-impact research.
Congratulations to the funded teams. For more information about the M2AIR program, contact researchdev@memphis.edu.