The Citadel’s School of Engineering is expanding its role in artificial intelligence research after securing a major grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). Over the next five years, the funding will deliver $1 million to support the creation of a new research hub focused on artificial intelligence and healthcare innovation.
The grant will fund the Center for Artificial Intelligence, Algorithmic Integrity and Autonomy Innovation (AI3), positioning The Citadel as a key player in advancing AI-driven healthcare solutions across South Carolina. Through this initiative, researchers will work on developing intelligent medical technologies while preparing students for careers in an increasingly AI-focused workforce.
The effort is part of a statewide collaboration involving multiple higher education institutions, including Benedict College, Claflin University, Clemson University, the College of Charleston, Francis Marion University, the Medical University of South Carolina, South Carolina State University, Tri-County Technical College, the University of South Carolina, and Winthrop University.
Andrew Williams, Ph.D., dean of The Citadel’s School of Engineering, has been named director of AI3. In this role, he will oversee the NSF EPSCoR research initiatives at The Citadel, including faculty-led research projects and outreach programs designed to engage K–12 students across the state.
Williams said the funding will strengthen educational pathways for students while accelerating innovation in healthcare technology. He emphasized that the new center will allow The Citadel to collaborate closely with institutions such as Clemson University to drive meaningful advances in research, workforce training, and community outreach.
The broader research initiative, known as Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Devices for the Advancement of Personalized and Transformative Health Care in South Carolina (ADAPT-SC), is supported through the NSF’s Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR). Specifically, the funding comes from the Research Infrastructure Improvement Track-1 Award, which is designed to build long-term research capacity, expand STEM education opportunities, and increase participation from diverse institutions.
Once completed, AI3 will be housed in The Citadel’s new School of Engineering building. The college’s engineering program has ranked among the nation’s top 25 undergraduate engineering programs since 2012 and is recognized as one of the earliest engineering programs in the United States. The new center is expected to further enhance The Citadel’s reputation for providing hands-on, high-impact education to both cadets and civilian students.
