Collaborative Research: EAGER: Agency and Learning through Industry-informed GenAI Navigation

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $114,894 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

From designing processes to writing reports and modeling complex systems, Artificial Intelligence (AI), especially generative AI (GenAI), is transforming how engineering work is done, yet engineering students are often unprepared for this new reality. Additionally, because much of the technology used in industry is proprietary, protected by intellectual property laws, or cost-prohibitive, educators often lack access to up-to-date information about how AI is actually being used in the field. This limits their ability to teach students the ethical, technical, and professional skills they need to succeed in AI-integrated workplaces. This project will respond directly to this challenge by creating new ways for faculty and students in chemical engineering to learn how AI is used in the workforce and how to use it responsibly. The project supports NSF’s goals to strengthen the U.S. STEM workforce, promote economic competitiveness, and ensure that emerging technologies like AI benefit all Americans. By creating tools that help bridge the gap between industry practices and classroom instruction, this project will help prepare students for high-tech careers while reinforcing responsible innovation and excellence in engineering education. This project will investigate how GenAI is used across different levels of chemical engineering practice and explore how students, instructors, and professionals perceive and interact with GenAI tools. The research team will conduct interviews and

Key facts

NSF award ID
2536312
Awardee
Montana State University (MT)
SAM.gov UEI
EJ3UF7TK8RT5
PI
Jennifer R Brown
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
EDUCATION RESEARCH, EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES, ENGINEERING EDUCATION
Estimated total
$114,894
Funds obligated
$114,894
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
10/01/2025 → 09/30/2027