Liu’s CAREER award to support AI-driven wireless network research, education
Liu’s CAREER award to support AI-driven wireless network research, education
Publish Date: 2026-05-28 01:30:00
Source Domain: news.unl.edu
- AI’s potential in telecommunications remains underutilized due to skepticism around its reliability; however, advances suggest AI can optimize network performance.
- Qiang Liu, an assistant professor at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, has received a $750,000 NSF grant to make AI-based technology tools more trustworthy and reliable.
- Liu’s project aims for “network autonomy,” focusing on developing network twins, safe resource allocation algorithms, and explanation-guided AI frameworks.
- The initiative aims to improve next-generation wireless technology and develop a STEM workforce by engaging K-12 and collegiate students through research opportunities and new courses.
- Liu plans to enhance Husker-Net (University’s private 5G network) to serve as an educational platform for wireless networking and AI research.
- To bridge the digital divide, Liu will implement virtual educational programs for rural K-12 students, including a virtual “Hour of Code” program and a VR “playground”.
- Ultimately, Liu aims to address the digital divide in Nebraska and build a highly skilled local technology workforce, believing increased network access will have widespread beneficial effects.