NSF FINDERS FOUNDRY Planning Award · National Science Foundation

Project Title: AI-Enabled Virtual Reality Manufacturing Foundry to Spark High School Manufacturing Workforce Interest

Award Amount

$50,000

Project Period

July 15, 2026 - October 31, 2026

PI

Dr. Yunmei Liu, University of Louisville

The MINDxAI Lab is pleased to share that Dr. Yunmei Liu received this award as principal investigator to plan an AI-enabled virtual reality learning experience for high school manufacturing education.

The project will work with students, educators, parents, researchers, and technologists to help high school students explore modern manufacturing and related STEM career paths through an immersive, accessible learning environment.

During the planning phase, the team will examine student and educator needs, develop VR storyboards and interaction models, and define supportive AI mentor behaviors for feedback, reflection, and safety guidance. These activities will establish a foundation for a future FINDERS FOUNDRY Development proposal.

Supported Project: AI-Enabled Virtual Reality Manufacturing Foundry to Spark High School Manufacturing Workforce Interest.

View the NSF award record