AAMU Delegation Gains Insight to Compete for NSF Regional Engines Funding
Alabama A&M Leaders Advance Research Strategy at National Innovation Workshop
A delegation from Alabama A&M University participated in a two-day workshop in Washington-Dulles, Va., to strengthen research capacity and strategic planning for institutions competing in the National Science Foundation Regional Innovations Engines program.
The workshop, titled “Technical Assistance in the Innovation Ecosystem and Regional Engine Consortium for HBCUs,” was held Nov. 6–7, 2025, and focused on equipping historically Black colleges and universities with the tools needed to compete for large-scale federal funding opportunities. Alabama A&M was represented by Majed El-Dweik, vice president of research and economic development; Cathy Qian, professor and research associate in the College of Engineering, Technology, and Physical Sciences; and Raziq Yaqub, associate professor and director of the Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Center within the RISE Foundation.
“As a result of attending the QEM Network workshop, AAMU was selected to submit a $160 million grant proposal for the NSF Engines program that would advance quantum computing,” El-Dweik said. “If awarded, this project will lead to high economic gains in North Alabama.”
Organized by The QEM Network, a Washington-based nonprofit focused on strengthening STEM education and workforce development, the workshop provided intensive training on assessing and advancing research maturity. The sessions were led under the direction of the organization’s president, Dr. Erin Lynch.
Participants engaged in a comprehensive exploration of readiness frameworks used by federal agencies and industry partners to evaluate research projects from concept through commercialization. These included technology readiness levels, manufacturing readiness levels, human readiness levels and human systems integration, workforce readiness levels, and advancement degree of difficulty.
El-Dweik emphasized the importance of translating the workshop’s insights into actionable strategies that will position the University for upcoming grant competitions. The knowledge gained will be incorporated into Alabama A&M’s approach to the 2026 NSF Regional Engines competition, a multi-million-dollar initiative aimed at strengthening regional innovation ecosystems.
The training will also support projects across the University’s RISE Foundation and the Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Center by establishing a standardized framework for evaluating and advancing research initiatives. University leaders say this approach will enhance Alabama A&M’s ability to secure federal funding, build strategic partnerships and contribute to workforce development in high-demand fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and advanced digital systems.
Dr. LaRico Treadwell, consultant; Dr. Majed El-Dweik; Dr. Raziq Yaqub; Dr. Cathy Qian; Dr. Erin Lynch, President, QEM.