FY25 Research at Bowie State University
Faculty Research
Bowie State Aligns MIS Curriculum with Workforce Needs Through Microsoft Certification Pathway
The Department of Management Information Systems at Bowie State took a significant step toward bridging academic excellence with industry-recognized credentials, reinforcing the university’s commitment to preparing students for leadership in AI and data-driven fields. As part of a broader initiative to align curriculum with workforce demands, 28 students enrolled in Decision Science and Analytics courses — within the BS in Business Information Systems and MS in Information Systems programs — and were prepared to sit for the Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate exam in Spring 2025.
These courses, taught by Dr. Rand Obeidat, associate professor of data analytics, integrated hands-on training and certification-aligned instruction to ensure students were equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to obtain the certification. To support equitable access to certification and cover the cost of the exam, funding for 14 students was provided by the Microsoft–Atlanta University Center for Data Science Mini-Grant Program. The remaining 14 students were supported through Bowie State’s Center for Data Analytics.
The results speak to the strength of Bowie State’s academic program as 22 of the 28 students passed the certification exam on their first attempt, earning official Microsoft credentials. The remaining six students are receiving targeted support to retake the exam, ensuring continued progress toward certification.
This 79% first-attempt success rate reflects the effectiveness of embedding certification pathways into academic programming and underscores Bowie State University’s leadership in advancing career readiness, technical skill development and industry engagement.
Bowie State Awarded Grant for Artificial Intelligence Research
Bowie State University has received a $400,000 National Science Foundation grant designed to increase artificial intelligence usage and inclusivity among historically underrepresented groups.
Dr. Rand Obeidat, an associate professor in the Department of Management Information Systems and leader of the grant project, envisions using the funds to upgrade Bowie State’s hardware and software capacities to bring enhanced AI tools into the classroom across multiple academic departments and disciplines.
“While this initiative reaches across BSU’s campus, it plays a particularly impactful role in supporting our students and faculty in data analytics, information systems, biology, education, computer science, criminal justice, finance, economics, and several other disciplines,” said Dr. Obeidat, who applied for the grant. “Through enhanced infrastructure, targeted training, and collaborative research opportunities, we are creating an inclusive pathway for our students to excel in AI.”
The grant from the NSF’s Expanding Use-Inspired AI Research and Instruction Across Campus initiative will give Bowie State students and faculty access to a robust AI research infrastructure and exclusive workshops designed to foster practical AI competencies.
Bowie State University Receives NIH AIM-AHEAD Grant for AI Research
Bowie State University has been awarded a $99,999 subaward grant from the National Institutes of Health's Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Consortium to Advance Health Equity and Researcher Diversity (AIM-AHEAD) Program. The funding will support the establishment of a new AI and Machine Learning Health Research Laboratory on campus — marking a pivotal step in advancing health equity through technology-driven research.
In its first year, the lab will focus on building its technical infrastructure and assembling a cross-disciplinary team of faculty, staff and students with deep expertise in artificial intelligence, data science and public health. The second year will concentrate on conducting applied research.
Bowie State’s AI/Machine Learning Health Research Laboratory will explore the social and demographic risk factors contributing to persistent mental health challenges across Prince George’s County. By applying advanced machine learning algorithms to large-scale data sets, researchers aim to uncover hidden patterns and predictors of behavioral health issues that often go undetected in conventional clinical settings.
“Implementing AI technologies to address issues will improve health in Prince George’s County and help pinpoint high-risk populations before they develop chronic conditions which can enable targeted preventive care and early detection,” said Dr. Melissa Duchene-Kelly, the research project lead. “Our interdisciplinary team approach will bring together experts from computer science, psychology, public health and other disciplines to identify and create interventions for individuals struggling with behavioral health.”
The AIM-AHEAD project is a joint effort between Bowie State University and the University of Texas Health Science Center and is part of a national initiative to boost the participation and representation of underrepresented researchers in the evolving fields of artificial intelligence and machine learning.
National Science Foundation Awards $399,999 to Bowie State University for Campus-wide AI Research Expansion
The National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded Bowie State University $399,999 to expand artificial intelligence (AI) research and education across campus, broadening AI participation among African Americans and other underrepresented groups. Led by Principal Investigator Dr. Rand Obeidat and Co-PIs Drs. Azene Zenebe, Sriram Srinivasan, and Tyesha Burks, the CAP initiative integrates advanced AI tools, including Generative AI and Large Language Models like GPT-3 and GPT-4, into research and curricula.
“While this project supports many departments, it particularly empowers students and faculty in Data Analytics, Computer Science and Information Systems. Enhanced infrastructure and collaborative research will create an inclusive pathway for students to excel in AI.” - Dr. Rand Obeidat, Associate Professor, Department of Management Information Systems
DoD Awards $788,250 to Bowie State for Advanced Robotics Research
Bowie State University’s Autonomous Technologies Lab received a new round of funding totaling $788,250 through the Department of Defense’s (DoD) equipment/instrumentation program to acquire cutting edge robotic systems that will be used to develop software to conduct search and rescue field operations independently in dynamic settings.
The funding is a continuation of Bowie State’s involvement in the DoD and U.S. Air Force’s $90 million university-affiliated research center (UARC) grant that was awarded to Howard University in January 2023. Bowie State is one of eight HBCU partner institutions that will manage some of the research projects focused on tactical autonomy.
"The addition of new state-of-the-art ground and aerial robots will transform BSU's Autonomous Technologies Lab into a premier space for AI education, training, and research,” said Dr. Darsana Josyula, director of the autonomous technologies lab. “This investment is poised to yield substantial dividends, particularly in cultivating a more diverse pool of talent trained in AI, by providing hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology and fostering innovative interdisciplinary projects, equipping them with the skills needed to excel in this rapidly evolving field."
Bowie State Awarded Historic $2.2M MHEC Grant to Expand Doctoral Faculty
Bowie State University’s Department of Nursing has been awarded a 4–year, $2.2 million grant from the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) to increase the number of doctoral faculty members with the goal of having 20 students in the Ph.D. program by 2029. It marks the largest grant ever awarded to the department.
Beginning in 2029 and in subsequent years, five new Ph.D. nurse faculty will graduate from the program, which will expand the number of nurse educators in the state who contribute to the ongoing development of the nursing workforce.
According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) website, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 193,100 registered nurse vacancies each year through 2032 when nurse retirements and workforce exits are factored into the U.S. demand for nurses. The national nursing faculty vacancy rate is 7.8%, with nearly 80% of vacancies requiring or preferring a doctoral degree.
“Nationwide, there is a shortage of nurse educators which restricts the ability of nursing schools to enroll and graduate sufficient professional nurses to meet the growing demands of our healthcare system,” said Dr. Jacqueline Hill, chair of the Department of Nursing. “The MHEC grant will enable the university to prepare more Ph.D. nurse educators and increase the number of students enrolled in our undergraduate nursing program.”
“We have such an incredible research ecosystem at Bowie State University, with phenomenal faculty and student researchers.”
– Dr. Chimdimnma Esimai, Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience Program Manager
Student Research
Doctoral Student Credits Bowie State with Unending Support
Tanviban Patel’s academic journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Graduating with a Doctor of Science in Computer Science, Patel reflects on her time at Bowie State University as a transformative period that prepared her for her next steps in research and development.
“Bowie State plays an important role in my academic success. When I came in January 2021 during COVID, it was challenging, but the professors were there every step of the way, guiding and supporting students like myself.” - Tanviban Patel, a Doctor of Science in Computer Science graduate
Her passion for web development and artificial intelligence drives her aspirations to build software and websites that push technological boundaries. While she dreams of working for industry leaders like Google Research, Microsoft Research or Nvidia, Patel has already secured a prestigious Predoctoral Fellowship with the National Institute of Health, where she will continue advancing her research while they sponsor her education.
As a mother to a four-year-old, Patel appreciated the flexibility and dedication of her professors, who ensured she could balance her family responsibilities and rigorous studies. She credits mentors like Dr. El-Sayed for supporting her research and Dr. Shumba for connecting students with real-world opportunities through research institutes and companies. Patel also found the Graduate Resource Center invaluable for improving her writing and academic skills.
“There was no culture shock when I came to Bowie State,” Patel said. “It was a supportive environment from day one.”
As Patel embarks on her next chapter, she leaves a legacy of perseverance and excellence, reflecting the values of Bowie State University. From Gujarat to Bowie State, her journey showcases the institution’s commitment to building talent and creating pathways for success.
Lure of Research and Ph.D. Program Attracts Bioinformatics Graduate
For Lance Justin Nuique, a native of the Philippines, the excitement of receiving his bachelor's degree in bioinformatics from Bowie State University on Dec. 19 is amplified by the opportunity to enter the Ph.D. program at Texas A&M University. With a goal of contributing to impactful research, Nuique is also considering opportunities with the Genome Center in New York and the Broad Institute in Boston.
Nuique discovered bioinformatics after realizing that the hospital environment of nursing, his initial major, was not the right fit. With guidance from professors and exposure to the bioinformatics program, Nuique discovered a way to combine computer science and biology to enhance patient care. He learned that a career in bioinformatics would enable him to work with large biological datasets and manage massive projects like human genome analysis.
During his time at Bowie State, Nuique learned to navigate setbacks in research and has contributed meaningful findings in bioinformatics. The program broadened his perspective on research and exposed him to diverse viewpoints and approaches to problem-solving.
