TLDR: Bentley University’s Research Council (BRC) has awarded $42,000 in grants to support a wide array of faculty projects, spanning from artificial intelligence and original artwork to French cinema and national identity studies. The funding aims to foster academic and creative endeavors that advance knowledge within the university and contribute to broader societal conversations.
Bentley University’s Research Council (BRC) has announced the allocation of $42,000 in grants to bolster a diverse portfolio of faculty research projects. These initiatives encompass a broad spectrum of disciplines, including cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) research, the creation of original artwork, explorations into French cinema, and studies on the foundations of national identity.
Marco Marabelli, Professor of Computer Information Systems (CIS) and Associate Director of Bentley’s Hoffman Center for Business Ethics, and chair of the BRC, emphasized the significance of these grants. “Research is more than an academic pursuit — it’s a catalyst for cultural, technological and social transformation,” Marabelli stated. He added that “This year’s projects reflect the BRC’s commitment to supporting academic and creative endeavors that not only advance knowledge within the campus community but also help shape the conversations that define our world.”
Among the notable recipients is Ahmad Aljanaideh, Assistant Professor of CIS, whose project focuses on “Large Language Models for Improving Generalizability and Adaptability of Explainable AI Models.” This research addresses the growing demand for transparency and accountability in AI tools, especially as 78% of companies globally now utilize AI for at least one business function. Aljanaideh’s work in explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) aims to enhance an AI model’s ability to perform reliably with new and varied data sets. He is leveraging large language models (LLMs), machine learning clustering, and classification algorithms to automate AI analysis, thereby reducing manual intervention and making XAI more accessible across various tasks and domains. Aljanaideh explained, “Reducing manual intervention will make XAI more accessible across a wider range of tasks and domains. This will promote broader [adoption].”
Another project highlighted is by Hayward, who will undertake a sabbatical as an artist-in-residence at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (Mass MoCA). His photo-documentary project, “Reshaping,” will investigate the increasing impacts of climate change on Boston and its surrounding areas. The BRC funding will facilitate Hayward’s exploration of new production methods, including encaustic (wax-based) painting and cyanotype (camera-less photography), to produce original photo-sculptural works.
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The grants underscore Bentley University’s dedication to fostering innovative research that contributes to both academic advancement and societal progress.
