Targeted Infusion Project: Artificial Intelligence Medical Imaging (AIM) - Badge Program for AI-Enabled Biomedical Digital-Twin Training

The Historically Black Colleges and Universities Undergraduate Program (HBCU-UP), through Targeted Infusion Projects, supports the development, implementation, and study of evidence-based, innovative models and approaches for improving the preparation and success of HBCU undergraduate students so that they may pursue science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) graduate programs and/or careers. The Artificial Intelligence in Medical Imaging Badge project at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University will modernize undergraduate biomedical engineering education by integrating artificial intelligence-enabled medical imaging, immersive learning technologies, and competency-based digital badges into the existing Bioengineering curriculum. The curriculum will provide a scaffolded learning pathway that develops competencies in portable ultrasound, three-dimensional anatomy visualization, virtual and extended reality learning, medical image segmentation, and responsible applications of artificial intelligence in healthcare. The project addresses the growing demand for engineers with competencies in medical imaging, artificial intelligence-assisted image analysis, and digital healthcare technologies through experiential learning integrated across existing undergraduate courses. By integrating innovative educational technologies with competency-based credentialing, the project will strengthen workforce preparation, expand access to emerging technologies, and contribute to developing a competitive biomedical engineering workforce prepared to address future healthcare challenges. Artificial intelligence is transforming healthcare, medical imaging, and biomedical engineering, creating an urgent need to prepare future engineers with interdisciplinary knowledge and workforce-ready technical skills. The project will provide hands-on learning experiences using portable ultrasound, three-dimensional anatomy visualization, virtual and extended reality technologies, and artificial intelligence-assisted medical image analysis. Students will develop competencies in medical imaging, image segmentation, responsible applications of artificial intelligence, and data-informed clinical decision making while earning digital badges that recognize workforce-ready skills. Faculty capacity will be strengthened through annual professional development workshops, standardized instructional materials, laboratory guides, shared assessment rubrics, and a faculty community of practice. Collaborations with Anatomage, GE HealthCare, and Merck will provide students with access to industry-standard technologies and workforce perspectives. Beyond undergraduate education, project resources will support science, technology, engineering, and mathematics outreach through the Merck Biotechnology Summer Camp, introducing middle and high school students to biomedical engineering through immersive learning experiences. Project evaluation will use formative and summative assessments to measure student learning, faculty implementation, digital badge attainment, and overall project effectiveness. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.