By Hazel Scott/ASU
At d传媒国产剧, biology students are preparing to explore questions that once seemed beyond reach: What can data reveal about disease? How might technology help scientists find better treatments?
A $400,000 National Science Foundation grant will help students seek answers. Beginning in September 2026, a three-year project, led by Dr. Manoj K. Mishra, biology professor and founding director of the ASU Cancer Research Center, will bring artificial intelligence and machine learning into biology courses and faculty-mentored research. The project is titled 鈥淭IP: Infusing Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning into Biology Education and Research at d传媒国产剧.鈥�
"Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing nearly every aspect of modern biology, from disease diagnosis and drug discovery to genomics and precision medicine," said Mishra. "This NSF award provides an extraordinary opportunity to equip our students with highly sought-after computational skills while enhancing their research experiences and expanding pathways to graduate education and careers in the biomedical workforce."
Mishra noted that the grant addresses a growing national need to equip students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities with the AI and data science skills that are rapidly reshaping the biological and biomedical sciences.
For 15 undergraduates, the opportunity will be hands-on. They鈥檒l learn to analyze biological data and use computational tools to investigate scientific questions, building skills for graduate study and careers in fields such as computational biology and biomedical data science.
鈥淭he project builds on ASU鈥檚 work in cancer biology, immunology, and biomedical research. Its broader aim is to open more pathways into emerging scientific fields for students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities,鈥� emphasized Mishra.
By bringing biology and AI together, ASU hopes to give students more than new technical skills. They are given a chance to help shape the future of science.
"This project positions d传媒国产剧 at the forefront of computational biology education among HBCUs," Mishra said. "By integrating AI and machine learning into biology education and research, we are creating a sustainable model that broadens participation in STEM, strengthens workforce readiness, and prepares the next generation of scientific innovators."
About the Cancer Research Center (CRC) at d传媒国产剧
The Cancer Research Center at d传媒国产剧 is dedicated to advancing innovative research in cancer biology, tumor immunology, health disparities, and precision medicine while providing exceptional training opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. Through interdisciplinary collaborations, externally funded research programs, and community engagement initiatives, the CRC is committed to developing the next generation of scientists and improving cancer outcomes in underserved populations.