DSeedingiscovery: The 2023 Research Collaboration Forum Grants
Thank you to the inaugural sponsors of the Research Collaboration Forum Seed Grants. Without their support, these grants would not be possible.
Table of Contents
Overview of Research Collaboration Forum Seed Grants & Results
Seed Grant submissions
Trustworthy AI for UAV Controller Security
Clark Atlanta University & Georgia Institute Of Technology
Analyzing Food Insecurity in Atlanta
Morehouse College & Georgia Institute Of Technology
Development of Lead-Free, Manganese-based Halide Perovskites for Optoelectronic Applications
Albany State University & Georgia Institute Of Technology
Team Building: 2D-3D Hybrid Heterostructure for High-Sensitivity
Infrared Photodetectors
Jackson State University & Georgia Institute Of Technology
Active Flow Control Using Suction-Blowing
Tuskegee University & Georgia Institute Of Technology
Bidirectional Learning of a Challenging Balance Task
Florida A&M University & Georgia Institute Of Technology
LIDAR Applications to Grow the Talent Pipeline
Savannah State University & Georgia Institute Of Technology
Table of Contents
Capacity Building: Characterizing Quantum Materials Under Extreme Conditions
Florida A&M University & Georgia Institute Of Technology
Nanostructured Catalysts for Selective Electrocatalysis of Biomass-Derived Platform Molecule
Clark Atlanta University & Georgia Institute Of Technology
The Effects of Marijuana Legalization on Teen Dating Violence
Spelman College & Georgia Institute Of Technology
Collaborative Infrastructure & Sustainability Efforts for CollabNext: A Person-Focused Knowledge Network
Texas Southern University, Fisk University & Georgia Institute Of Technology
Strengthening Sustainability in Public Health Education: A Collaborative Initiative between Morehouse School of Medicine & Georgia Tech
Morehouse School of Medicine & Georgia Institute Of Technology
Project Results (clickable links to reports)
Seed Grant Overview
We invited teams to submit a brief proposal for seed funding focused on either new research opportunities or capacity building. To be eligible, each team had to include at least one Georgia Tech faculty member and at least one HBCU faculty member. Teams could request awards ranging from $10,000 to $50,000.
Once proposals were received, internal subject-matter experts evaluated each submission using a common rubric and provided written feedback. Based on those evaluations, we selected projects for funding and notified teams of their awards.
After the awards were made, teams moved into execution. To track progress and surface lessons early, awardees submitted a mid-project report documenting milestones reached, student engagement, and any adjustments made along the way.
Finally, at project closeout, teams submitted a comprehensive final report summarizing outcomes, deliverables, and results. For transparency and deeper reading, this booklet includes clickable links to each report at the end.
Trustworthy AI for UAV Controller Security
PIs: Kishor Gupta (CAU) and Saman Zonouz (GT)
The core purpose of this project is to design and evaluate a trustworthy cyber-physical artificial intelligence–based security and to extend these methods to broader critical infrastructure sectors. UAVs, as autonomous cyber-physical systems, rely on tightly coupled sensors, controllers, and actuators, which makes them highly susceptible to cyber-physical attacks that can have both digital and physical consequences Our work addresses this by combining offline firmware vulnerability assessments, online side-channel monitoring, and physics-informed anomaly detection to create efficient, resource-aware defenses suitable for real-time UAV operations The project specifically integrates AI-based detection with resilience measures that allow systems to continue functioning even under adversarial conditions.
The impact of this work is twofold: advancing technical resilience for autonomous safetycritical systems and generating a nationwide comparative vulnerability framework that shapes infrastructure security policy. Autonomous cyber-physical systems are increasingly used in disaster relief, logistics, agriculture, and defense; ensuring their controllers remain trustworthy even when under attack protects both public safety and critical missions. The proposed AI-enabled defense architecture represents an important step toward enabling secure critical infrastructure operations across commercial and government domains. The methodological innovations, such as resource-efficient model compression and sidechannel–based intrusion detection, can be generalized to other embedded controllers in infrastructure sectors.
This project serves as a launchpad for larger-scale federal research opportunities
Conversations have already been initiated for the National Science Foundation (NSF) large collaborative GT-CAU grant proposal submission in October 2025. The foundational results from this initiative, both in autonomous system defense prototypes and in critical infrastructure sectoral vulnerability modeling, are designed to strengthen the competitiveness of follow-on federal submissions. The GT–CAU collaboration also positions the team to pursue targeted HBCU/MSI partnership opportunities that emphasize inclusive and cross-institutional research models, which are increasingly prioritized by agencies such as NSF, DOE, DARPA, and DHS.
In terms of exposure, the project outcomes are being disseminated through multiple venues The vulnerability assessment framework is positioned for publication in top-tier cybersecurity conferences and journals, while the critical infrastructure security prototypes are being aligned with ongoing industry collaborations and testbeds
Analyzing Food Insecurity in Atlanta
The purpose of this research was to (1) identify food deserts in Atlanta using GIS software and (2) identify factors closely related to food insecurity faced by households.
1. In 2015, the United Nations member states adopted Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Among the 17 different SDGs, Goal#2 states that “by 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round”. Regardless of whether a country has a high or low income, hunger and food insecurity are prevalent in all societies.
2. This project will identify communities in Atlanta which face a greater risk of food insecurity and the socio-economic factors associated with food insecurity.
3. The findings from the analysis will be useful to identify food insecurity in other metropolitan cities in the US.
1. Currently PI Dhongde is working on a model-based approach to identify factors associated with food insecurity. With additional support we would be able to include more variables and use machine learning models to make predictions about food insecurity.
2. Both PIs would love the opportunities to share the research findings with the city of Atlanta and other agencies working to reduce food insecurity in Atlanta. Additional funding and time will help us make these connections.
PIs: Shatakshee Dhongde (MC) and Mona Ray (GT)
Development of Lead-Free, Mangenese-based Halide Perovskites for Optoelectronic Applications
PIs: Liqiu Zheng (ASU) and Juan-Pablo Correa-Baena (GT)
The purpose of the research was to do the following:
Harness the potential of perovskites: Highly tunable, versatile, low-cost semiconductors with rapidly improving efficiency, but limited by instability and short lifespan.
Address critical challenges: Improve stability and device durability by mitigating degradation under heat, moisture, and light.
Leverage Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD): Apply low-temperature, uniform, and controllable thin-film deposition to stabilize interfaces and enhance solar cell performance
Advance clean energy technolosgies: Develop efficient, durable, cost-effective solar cells. Enable sustainable manufacturing: Showcase scalable, low-temperature, industry-ready processes.
Reduce environmental impact: Replace toxic, resource-heavy materials with safer alternatives.
Drive innovation: Connect materials science, chemistry, and engineering via ALD interface design.
Train scientists: Provide hands-on experience in thin-film deposition and renewable energy. Accelerate commercialization: Bridge lab-scale perovskite solar cells to real-world use
Competitive research grants: Targeting federal agencies (DOE, NSF, DoD) to expand studies on stability and scalable manufacturing of perovskite solar cells We are currently preparing a grant proposal to the NSF Excellence in Research program.
National lab collaborations: Leveraging advanced characterization facilities (eg, synchrotron and neutron sources) to strengthen proposals and visibility.
High-impact publications and conferences: Showcasing results in leading journals and presenting at premier conferences to raise the profile of the work.
Interdisciplinary initiatives at Georgia Tech: Engaging in campus-wide energy and sustainability programs to secure seed funding and connect with broader audiences.
Team Building: 2D-3D
Hybrid Heterostructure for High-Sensitivity Infrared Photodetectors
PIs: Nihar Pradhan (JSU) and Zhigang Jiang (GT)
Our goal is to develop a broadband optoelectronic sensor with exceptional sensitivity, targeting the near- and midinfrared regions, using heterostructure of the thinnest possible two-dimensional (2D) materials, particularly the 2D transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs).
We have demonstrated both positive and negative photoresponsivity within a single 2D narrow-band-gap PdSe2 phototransistor. Negative photocurrent-based photodetectors hold great potential for lowpower-consumption devices. Our device prototype delivers performance comparable to commercially available state-of-the-art HgCdTe photodetectors, while offering a more environmentally friendly alternative due to the absence of mercury (Hg).
This seed project leverages the expertise of the PIs’ groups at GT and JSU, along with the state-of-the-art fabrication facilities at the GT Institute for Matter and Systems (IMS). We are currently further analyzing the experimental data and preparing a joint manuscript for publication. Our preliminary results will also serve as a strong foundation for future funding proposals to federal agencies, such as the NSF and the Department of Energy.
Active Flow Control Using Suction-Blowing: Investigation of Reverse Co Flow Jet (RCFJ) Concept
PIs: Syed Hamdani (TU), Javed Khan (TU) and Rob Funk (GTRI)
Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) & Tuskegee University researchers investigated the Reverse Co-Flow Jet (RCFJ) concept. They computationally investigated a parametric space to gauge effectiveness for separation control and performance enhancement. GTRI also aimed to provide feedback based on previous experimental CCW airfoil testing
The project supported research capacity development at Tuskegee University which has the only ABET-accredited aerospace engineering program at an HBCU. It also fostered collaboration between GTRI faculty and Tuskegee University. The project will provide valuable research experiences to undergraduates and encourage them to consider graduate studies.
The technical results from the project will form the basis of the development of a full proposal by the project team for submission to agencies like NSF, ONR and AFOSR.
Bidirectional Learning of a Challenging Balance Task
PIs: Taylor Higgins (FAMU) and Shreyas Kousik (GT)
Our goal is to study how humans and robots can learn balance-challenging motor tasks both independently and collaboratively We use unicycling as a model task because it is learnable but difficult, providing a controlled way to isolate the effects of robotic assistance on motor learning. The preliminary funding allowed us to prototype the robotized unicycle hardware and develop the initial “robot coach” software Together, these platforms will allow us to systematically study how assistance affects learning, ultimately informing the design of rehabilitation robots that accelerate patient recovery.
Rehabilitation & Healthcare: Insights from this work may lead to more effective robotic rehabilitation systems that help patients regain mobility faster after neuromuscular injury.
Education & Workforce Development: The project funded a student exchange between FAMU-FSU (an HBCU) and Georgia Tech, giving students hands-on experience in robotics, machine learning, and human-subjects research. These experiences strengthen their graduate school applications and prepare them for STEM careers.
Human-Robot Interaction: The results will advance fundamental understanding of how humans and robots can learn together knowledge that can extend to collaborative robots in manufacturing, service robotics, and assistive technologies
NSF M3X Proposal: We recently were awarded a full NSF M3X project that builds directly on these preliminary results.
Peer-Reviewed Publication: We are preparing a conference paper (e.g., IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation) featuring studentauthored results from this project.
Expanded Collaboration: We are exploring additional funding mechanisms, including NSF CAREER and NIH rehabilitation-focused grants, to grow the collaboration and broaden the impact on rehabilitation robotics.
LIDAR Applications to Grow the Talent Pipeline between HBCUs/MSIs
and US Agencies
PIs: Carol Pride (SSU), Sujin Kim (SSU), Leda Fox (GTRI), and Kevin Caravati (GTRI)
Expand the talent pipeline for remote sensing/standoff detection of airborne contaminants, an ongoing priority for DOD. Lidar systems are typically not used for local atmospheric monitoring due to Cost, Size, Weight and Power constraints that pose a high learning curve for operations and data processing. Recent low-SWaP lidar systems provide “hyperlocal” measurements of aerosols at ≤ 200 meter ranges for critical infrastructure (i.e. ports, bases) monitoring.
Students participated in hands-on data collection and analyses of sensor data from air quality sensors and online databases with Georgia Tech research teams Training sessions in Python and data analytics broadened student awareness of career opportunities with DOD. Students also advanced their skillsets, learning new applications of lidar systems and research opportunities for graduate school and/or internships with industries and federal agencies. SSU Math and Data Analytics coursework is ideal for sensor and lidar research, and supports the need for advancing resiliency in Georgia’s coastal environments. Deliverables included two tutorials to 33 students and faculty, an atmospheric data analysis sprint with GTRI SMEs at SSU, and presentation to at GTRI’s IRAD Extravaganza events with nearly 1,000 participants.
Remote stand-off detection of aerosols is needed across a variety of DoD applications (e.g. CBRNE, directed energy). Potential DoD sponsors include DTRA, TRMC, and USAF. This RCF collaboration led to the development of a proposal to DOD, “Sustainable Range Study at Fort Stewart/Hunter Army Airfield, GA” submitted in July 2025 (award pending). SSU and GT collaborate on coastal resiliency studies through the CEAR Hub, a project that joins community organizations, local governments, and educational institutions together to develop the knowledge, tools, and strategies that make our communities more resilient.
Capacity Building: Characterizing Quantum Materials Under Extreme Conditions
PIs: Komalavalli Thirunavukkuarasu (FAMU) and Zhigang Jiang (GT)
Our goal Is to develop a cutting edge characterization system for quantum materials research, integrating a diamond anvil cell to enable variable temperature (down to 2 Kelvin), high-pressure (up to 16 Gigapascal) optical spectroscopy under magnetic fields (up to 14 Tesla).
We have successfully built the proposed system at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (NHMFL), which Is now available to GT and FAMU researchers, as well as their collaborators, as a user facility. This seed project has also created unique opportunities for GT and FAMU students to collaborate and conduct research at the National Science Foundation (NSF)funded, world-leading NHMFL.
We published our results in Nano Letters earlier this year. Enables a state-of-the-art magneto optical setup for characterizing quantum materials under extreme conditions. Provide opportunities for GT and FAMU students to conduct research at NSF-funded NHMF
Nanostructured Catalysts for Selective
Electrocatalysis of Biomass-Derived
Platform Molecule
The purpose of this project Is to generate fundamental Insights Into how nanostructure and surface facets govern the electrocatalytic conversion of biomass-derived molecules, providing design principles for efficient, selective, and durable Cu-based catalysts. By combining controlled synthesis with advanced computational modeling, the work bridges experimental and theoretical understanding of reaction mechanisms.
The project advances sustainable energy research by developing efficient Cu-based catalysts for valorization of bio-mass derived furfural, offering pathways to renewable fuels and chemicals. It has broadened participation In STEM by engaging the large Black American Students at CAU through handson research, mentorship and outreach. The collaboration between CAU and GaTech has strengthened research capacity, built long-term partnerships, and created opportunities for federal funding and center-scale Initiatives.
Beyond science, the project contributes to workforce development and public understanding of renewable energy and advanced nanomaterials.
PI Li has been very actively involved in developing teaming efforts with GaTech. GaTech recently launched a Wood-Based Renewables Research Center(ReWood), which emphasizes the importance of biomass conversion research. PI Li recently joined the team efforts of ReWood. Li is also involved in an NSF-PREM program on nano-materials at CAU. CAU also has an active NSF-PREC program focusing on developing biomass-based sustainable polymers. The RCF grant demonstrates efforts related to all of those projects, and potentially can serve as an initiative to developing center-based teaming efforts on advanced nano-materials, sustainable energy and polymers.
PIs: Junrui Li (CAU) and Emma Hu (GT)
The Effects of Marijuana Legalization on Teen Dating Violence
PIs: Rebecca Choudhury (SC), Ashley Bradford (SC), and Lindsey Bullinger (GT)
We examined the causal effects of recent legislative changes to the legal status of marijuana on teen dating violence. We combined details of state policy changes with the CDC’s Youth Risk Behavioral Surveillance System (YRBSS) to compare rates of teen dating violence before and after the state-level policy changes to marijuana legality We found that legalizing marijuana for medical purposes is associated with reductions in teen dating violence by 0.8 percentage points, or roughly 14 percent.
This project has the potential to shape public policy decisions at the school, local, and state level. For example, in considering potential effects on violence exposure among adolescents, this analysis contributes to the cost-benefit analysis whether a state should legalize marijuana (either recreationally or medically). Schools can deploy various teen dating violence programs in response to understanding how legal access to marijuana affects their students.
We have drafted a manuscript of this study that we are currently submitting for publication in a peer-reviewed academic journal and disseminating via academic conferences. We intend to publish this manuscript and increase dissemination efforts following publication.
Collaborative Infrastructure and Sustainability Efforts for CollabNext: A
Person-Focused Knowledge Network
The Proto-OKN (Prototype Open Knowledge Network) CollabNext purpose is to create a people-focused knowledge graph to promote and enhance research collaborations, particularly with underrepresented researchers at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs).
CollabNext was designed to help identify existing and potentially new research partnerships and help users answer basic questions such as “who is working on what and where?”. The design process is driven by dozens of user stories, which include end users who have a variety of roles, including researchers (current and prospective PIs), campus leadership, research administration professionals, graduate and undergraduate students, conference organizers, research sponsors, and industry partners. By bringing greater visibility to what and who is often rendered invisible in the current science system, CollabNext will facilitate research collaborations and illuminate the broader research landscape.
The project was canceled by NSF in May 2025. A different proposal has been submitted to complete the work.
PIs: Lila Ghemri (TSU), Beverly Robinson (FU), and Lew Lefton (GT)
Strengthening Sustainability in Public Health Education
PIs: Stephanie Miles-Richardson (MSoM), Carrie Salone (MSoM) and Jennifer Hirsch (GT)
Our initiative is designed to embed sustainability into public health education and training at Morehouse School of Medicine. The project has two core components:
A Foundations of Sustainability Seminar Series, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and introducing students, faculty, and community members to sustainability concepts.
The development of a new course that integrates sustainability within public health practice through innovative teaching methods such as community engagement, inverted classrooms, and field-based learning.
The project is strengthening public health education by formally embedding sustainability into the MPH curriculum, including the launch of our new course Sustainability 101. Students are gaining hands-on experience through internships and community-based learning with partners like Atlanta Housing and Mercedes-Benz Stadium. By training students in sustainability-informed public health approaches, the project is cultivating leaders who can address environmental and health challenges with a focus on resilience and community well-being.
We are actively pursuing opportunities to expand the reach and longevity of this work:
National visibility: A mainstage presentation at the Green Sports Alliance annual conference showcased our work to a national audience of sustainability leaders, opening doors to broader partnerships
Sports industry collaborations: Continued engagement with Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the Green Sports Alliance positions us to attract investment from the sports sector in sustainability and workforce development.
Curriculum expansion: With Sustainability 101 approved, upcoming milestones include building out additional sustainability courses, recruiting faculty, and strengthening interdisciplinary content all of which make us more competitive for future funding opportunities.
*Click the title of each project to see the final documentation*
Trustworthy AI for UAV Controller Security
Clark Atlanta University & Georgia Institute Of Technology
Analyzing Food Insecurity in Atlanta
Morehouse College & Georgia Institute Of Technology
Development of Lead-Free, Manganese-based Halide Perovskites for Optoelectronic Applications
Albany State University & Georgia Institute Of Technology
Team Building: 2D-3D Hybrid Heterostructure for High-Sensitivity Infrared Photodetectors
Jackson State University & Georgia Institute Of Technology
Active Flow Control Using Suction-Blowing
Tuskegee University & Georgia Institute Of Technology
Bidirectional Learning of a Challenging Balance Task
Florida A&M University & Georgia Institute Of Technology
LIDAR Applications to Grow the Talent Pipeline
Savannah State University & Georgia Institute Of Technology
*Click the title of each project to see the final documentation*
Capacity Building: Characterizing Quantum Materials Under Extreme Conditions
Florida A&M University & Georgia Institute Of Technology
Nanostructured Catalysts for Selective Electrocatalysis of Biomass-Derived Platform Molecule
Clark Atlanta University & Georgia Institute Of Technology
The Effects of Marijuana Legalization on Teen Dating Violence
Spelman College & Georgia Institute Of Technology
Collaborative Infrastructure & Sustainability Efforts for CollabNext: A Person-Focused Knowledge Network
Texas Southern University, Fisk University & Georgia Institute Of Technology
Strengthening Sustainability in Public Health Education: A Collaborative Initiative between Morehouse School of Medicine & Georgia Tech
Morehouse School of Medicine & Georgia Institute Of Technology
Thank you all for your hard work and commitment!
Please join us for our next RCF@GT on November 11-12, 2025