Research and Impact
At CHST, scholarship is part of how we teach, mentor, and prepare students for what’s next.
Computer Science
At UIS, our Computer Science researchers are driving breakthroughs in areas such as deep learning, secure distributed systems, and natural language processing. Faculty labs develop AI models that personalize education, deploy blockchain solutions for data integrity, and craft human‑centered interfaces for emerging technologies. Collaborations with industry partners ensure that theoretical advances translate into scalable, real‑world impact.
School of Integrated Sciences, Sustainability, and Public Health
Our faculty conduct research to strengthen environmental resilience, optimize sustainable resource management, and design community‑driven health interventions that address challenges of our rapidly changing world.
Mathematical Sciences
The Department of Mathematical Sciences tackles complex challenges in statistics, numerical analysis, and algebraic topology to underpin discoveries across disciplines. Researchers employ advanced modeling techniques from stochastic processes that forecast climate patterns to optimization algorithms that streamline supply chains. Through interdisciplinary projects, they turn abstract theory into practical tools for economics, biology, and engineering.
Psychology
Exploring mind and behavior through cognitive neuroscience, developmental studies, clinical interventions, and social‑emotional processes.
School of Health Science
Cutting‑edge research in exercise physiology, medical laboratory science, rehabilitation therapy, and public health promotion.
Philosophy
Rigorous inquiry into ethics, logic, philosophy of mind, and environmental and social justice—grounding critical thinking across disciplines.
How Scholarship Drives Our Mission at CHST
At the College of Health, Science and Technology (CHST), scholarship plays a central role in how we deliver on our mission and vision. We are committed to being a college where faculty have the support they need to succeed as scholars and where students are actively engaged in hands-on, meaningful learning
We Invest in Student Research
Internal grants, conference travel, upgraded labs, and dedicated proposal support keep our scholars on the cutting edge — and bring fresh insights back to the classroom.
Grant and Funding Highlights
Faculty in CHST secured more than $1 million in external and internal support last year, fueling cutting-edge research, student opportunities, and new infrastructure.
- $30,000 - “AI Summer Camp Funding
- $1.53 million pending - “NSF Proposals Under Review”
- 1 GPU Cluster - “New Infrastructure Awards”
Awarded Grants
AI Summer Camp for High School Students
PI: Dr. Elham Buxton – IIN Sustaining Illinois – $30,000
Week-long camp introducing AI fundamentals to under-represented students.
Strategic Investment Fund – AIDAC
PIs: Dr. Sunshin Lee, Dr. Elham Buxton, Dr. Yanhui Guo
Launching the Artificial Intelligence & Data Analytics Center to accelerate interdisciplinary breakthroughs.
NAIRR Pilot GPU Award
National Science Foundation – High-performance GPUs awarded to power deep-learning coursework and research.
Psychology Department Accomplishments
2024-25
23
Peer-Reviewed
Publications
17
Conference
Presentations
1
Competitive
Grant Awarded
13
Students
Mentored
NSF Proposals
AI and Microelectronics Summer Program for Aspiring, Resourceful Kids (AIM-SPARK)
Amount requested: $150 K
Program: NSF Advancing Informal STEM Learning (AISL 22-626)
Lead PI: Dr. Elham Buxton
Partners: Illinois State University, Lincoln Library (Springfield), The Outlet Illinois
Goal: Residential summer experience introducing middle-school students—especially those from under-represented groups—to foundational concepts in AI and microelectronics through hands-on projects and mentoring.
EducateAIM – Bridging the Gap in AI & Microelectronics Teacher Education Across Illinois
Amount requested: $690 K
Track: NSF Medium RPP (High-School Strand)
Lead PI: Dr. Elham Buxton
Collaborators: UIS, Illinois State University, Discover Partner Institute
Goal: Create a statewide professional-development pipeline that equips high-school teachers with curricula, micro-lab kits, and mentorship to deliver cutting-edge AI and microelectronics content in classrooms.
Beginnings: EmPOWER – Embracing Physical AI for Workforce Education with Robotics
Role: Co-PI (Dr. Buxton)
Amount: TBD (full budget under development)
Consortium: Illinois State University, University of Illinois Springfield, Heartland Community College (Normal), Richland Community College (Decatur)
Goal: Scale an affordable robotics platform and blended-learning curriculum that prepares community-college and K-12 learners for emerging careers in physical AI, automation, and advanced manufacturing.