# Excellence in Research: AI Techniques for the Automation of Nuclei Segmentation of Chromatin-Sensitive Partial Wave Spectroscopic Microscopy for Cancer Research

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University (NC) · $1,182,323

## Abstract

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. To fight cancer, we need early detection and new treatments to lower death rates and improve survival. Recently, Chromatin-Sensitive Partial Wave Spectroscopic (csPWS) microscopy has become a key tool for early cancer detection and treatment monitoring. This technique measures changes in chromatin structure within cell nuclei at the nanoscale level. To make it easier to analyze chromatin packing and nuclear shapes, software that automates cell selection and nuclei segmentation is needed. Current manual methods are slow, complicated, and vary from user to user. Manual segmentation is also challenging due to the unique features of label-free csPWS images. This project aims to create an Artificial Intelligence(AI)-based segmentation technique that quickly and accurately selects nuclei from various cancer cell lines and imaging conditions. This will help streamline chromatin analysis for early detection and treatment of cancers using csPWS data. The project will also develop an AI algorithm that predicts early cancer and tracks treatment responses using spectral information from raw csPWS images. These AI tools will expand the use of csPWS microscopy, making it accessible for cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. This is a significant step toward better health outcomes. The project will provide undergraduate and graduate students in electrical, computer, and biomedical engineering with valuable research train

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2504331
- **Awardee organization:** North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University (NC)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** SKH5GMBR9GL3
- **PI:** Sunil K Gaire
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION, GRADUATE INVOLVEMENT
- **Estimated total:** $1,182,323
- **Funds obligated:** $1,182,323
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2504331

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2504331, Excellence in Research: AI Techniques for the Automation of Nuclei Segmentation of Chromatin-Sensitive Partial Wave Spectroscopic Microscopy for Cancer Research. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-06 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2504331. Licensed CC0.

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