Converging Research on Edge Artificial Intelligence and Training Enhancement
Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Computer Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Materials Science
Computer Science
Data Analytics
Healthcare
Medical Sciences
Neuroscience
Speech Pathology & Audiology
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Now Open: 2026/2027 CREATE Trainee Applications
The CREATE team is now accepting trainee applications for the 2026/2027 academic year. The application deadline is:
October 30th, 2026
Before completing your application, please review the information in the Funded vs. Non-Funded Traineeship and Eligibility tabs. When you are ready to apply, visit the Apply Here tab to access the application.
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Program Description
The University of South Alabama has been awarded a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) dedicated to the effective training of STEM graduate students in high-priority interdisciplinary, convergent research areas, through comprehensive traineeship models that are innovative, evidence-based, and aligned with changing workforce and research needs.
CREATE’s research focus is to provide interdisciplinary training centered on Edge Artificial Intelligence - an emerging form of AI highly prized for its ability to process data at its source. Benefits of Edge AI include faster processing speeds, stronger encryption, and improved energy efficiency. CREATE fellows will participate in training that prepares them for competitive careers in multiple sectors, such as Healthcare, Engineering, Manufacturing, Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and more. CREATE integrates the study of algorithms, hardware, and devices into a single, convergent research program spanning multiple disciplines and applications with the goal of addressing critical research needs in the field.
CREATE Benefits & Trainee Requirements
Funded Trainees will receive:
- A one-year $37,000 stipend.
- A workforce-centered certificate in Edge AI.
- 4-Week Summer cleanroom training experience.
- Professional development and research opportunities.
- Entrepreneurship training and activities.
- Scientific outreach and curriculum development experience.
- Networking opportunities with professionals, faculty, and peers both within your field and across disciplines.
Funded Trainees must complete all required CREATE activities within one year (three consecutive semesters)*. Requirements include:
- Complete the designated Edge AI certificate coursework (5 courses, 14 credit hours).
- Participate in summer cleanroom training.
- Complete required professional development and entrepreneurship activities.
- Complete required grant writing activities.
- Participate in AI ethics training.
- Participate in scientific outreach and curriculum development activities.
- Attend required CREATE meetings, training sessions, and other program activities.
- Complete required assignments, projects, and other program deliverables by established deadlines.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress and meet the academic requirements for enrolled courses.
*Non-Funded Trainees: Non-Funded Trainees are not required to complete all CREATE activities. They may choose which CREATE activities. See Funded vs. Non-Funded Traineeship above for more information.
Applicants may apply as either a Funded Trainee or a Non-Funded Trainee. The opportunities available to you will depend on your trainee status.
Funded Trainees are eligible to receive a $37,000 stipend and are expected to participate in all CREATE training activities.*
*See the CREATE Benefits & Trainee Requirements above for a full list of expectations.
Non-Funded Trainees are not eligible to receive the $37,000 stipend and may not participate in the summer cleanroom training. However, Non-Funded Trainees may still participate in the following CREATE activities:
- Edge AI certificate coursework*
- Professional development and entrepreneurship activities
- Grant writing
- AI ethics
- Scientific outreach and curriculum development
Additionally, Non-Funded Trainees have the flexibility to determine which activities they wish to pursue.
*Non-Funded Trainees may enroll in any of the designated Edge AI courses or pursue the full Edge AI certificate. The CREATE grant does not provide tuition assistance for Non-Funded Trainees, so trainees are responsible for securing any required tuition or other course-related funding. Enrollment in individual courses or the full certificate is also subject to the academic requirements for those courses, including any applicable prerequisites.
To participate in the CREATE program, applicants must meet the eligibility requirements below.
United States Citizenship: Funded Trainees must be a current United States citizen.*
Participating Institution: You must be enrolled at one of the following institutions: University of South Alabama
University of Alabama*
Eligible Program: You must be currently enrolled in one of the following programs:
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
- Systems Engineering
- Computing
- Communication Sciences and Disorders
- Basic Medical Sciences
* Students who do not meet the U.S. citizenship requirement may still participate in CREATE as Non-Funded Trainees.
* Degree names at the University of Alabama may differ slightly from the program names listed above. If you are unsure whether your program is eligible, please contact the CREATE team at nrt@southalabama.edu with any questions.
Before beginning your application, please review the eligibility requirements, determine your trainee status, and gather the materials listed below.
- Undergraduate transcript — PDF format
- Two letters of recommendation from faculty — PDF format
- At least one letter from your direct faculty advisor.
- (Optional) Master's transcript — If you have earned a master's degree since completing your undergraduate studies and would like it considered as part of your application.
Applicants are responsible for requesting and obtaining their recommendation letters
from faculty.
For questions related to the program, please contact our team at nrt@southalabama.edu.