TAMIU Faculty Member Named National Science Foundation Award Recipient
A Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) faculty member has received a National Science Foundation (NSF) award of $200,000 for research focused on water quality monitoring in South Texas.
Dr. Ke Yang, assistant professor of systems engineering, was awarded the funding based on her proposal, “ERI: An Integrated UAV-enabled Framework for Autonomous Sampling and Continuous Water Quality Monitoring.”
The research explores how unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), autonomous technology and data-driven methods can improve water quality monitoring, Yang said.
"Using the Rio Grande in the Laredo region as a field environment, the project aims to support short- and long-term water quality prediction, enabling earlier identification of potential concerns," Yang said.
The project also reflects TAMIU's growing contributions to research addressing critical challenges in the region, said Dr. Claudia San Miguel, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs.
"Dr. Yang's National Science Foundation award reflects the innovative research taking place at TAMIU and its impact on issues that matter to our community. This project advances water quality monitoring in the Rio Grande, and also provides valuable research opportunities for our students," said San Miguel.
Through training in automated system design, field data collection, laboratory-based testing and data analysis, the students will develop both technical and problem-solving skills needed to address complex engineering challenges, Yang said.
"The long-term goal of my research is to extend these methods to a wider range of fields and advance intelligent solutions with real-world impact," Yang said.
For more information, contact the Office of Research and Sponsored Projects at grants@tamiu.edu, call 956.326.3026 or visit the offices in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, rooms 426 and 429.
A proud member of The Texas A&M University System, TAMIU provides a world-class educational experience to students from throughout South Texas, Northern Mexico, and beyond.
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