REU Site: Engineers for Exploration

NSF Award Search · 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $520,337 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

Engineers for Exploration is an experiential program that enables undergraduates to conduct computer systems research that addresses technology gaps in scientific exploration. These undergraduates are provided with an impactful research project, supported by a multi-tiered mentor network and structured collaboration with researchers, scientists, and explorers. Research problems they get to work on are framed by real-world, high-impact applications, providing participants with an inspiring, multidisciplinary research experience. The Engineers for Exploration Research Experience for Undergraduates Site offers research projects rooted in real-world applications and guided by mentorship from scientists and explorers. These use-inspired artificial intelligence research projects include the creation of machine learning and digital signal processing algorithms to automatically classify bird calls from acoustic wildlife sensors, the building of novel sensing strategies on the Smartfin embedded computing system to allow surfers to collect coastal oceanographic data, and the development of FishSense underwater 3D camera systems that automate the collection of fish measurements to turn recreational divers into citizen scientists aiding in fisheries management. Engineers for Exploration involves participants in multidisciplinary research projects spanning embedded systems, remote sensing, digital signal processing, computer vision, machine learning, robotics, and data analytics. The p

Key facts

NSF award ID
2548467
Awardee
University of California-San Diego (CA)
SAM.gov UEI
UYTTZT6G9DT1
PI
Ryan Kastner
Primary program
01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
Artificial Intelligence (AI), REU SITE-Res Exp for Ugrd Site
Estimated total
$520,337
Funds obligated
$520,337
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
10/01/2026 → 09/30/2029