Excellence in Research: Mitigating Confounding Errors in Real-World Machine Learning for Robust Decision Support

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $674,160 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

User-generated contents, such as online reviews or social media posts, often contain hidden information like education, personal preferences, location, or language. This information, known as confounding factors, can affect the contents and impact the outcomes of decision systems. When applying machine learning for real-world decision support, those confounding factors can easily have negative effects on model generalizability and usability. This project focuses on identifying and mitigating confounding errors in real-world machine learning to ensure decision systems in healthcare or e-commerce produce more accurate and robust support. The project will generate broad impacts through regional research collaboration, AI workforce development, and practical applications. It will establish a partnership between Alabama State University and the University of Memphis, while insights from the research will be integrated into new machine learning and AI courses at Alabama State University to equip students with advanced technical skills. Additionally, students from all groups will gain experience with large-scale Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Graphic Processing Unit (GPU) computing through the high performance computing cluster hosted by the University of Memphis. Collaborations with industry partners such as FedEx will further translate research into practical, real-world applications. All activities will be open to participants from all groups, ensuring inclusive engagement.

Key facts

NSF award ID
2502941
Awardee
Alabama State University (AL)
SAM.gov UEI
DLJWLMSNK627
PI
Qiunan Zhang
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION, Machine Learning Theory, EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES, GRADUATE INVOLVEMENT
Estimated total
$674,160
Funds obligated
$674,160
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
10/01/2025 → 09/30/2028