# Enhancing Undergraduate STEM Education with Large Language Models: Personalization, Collaboration, and Active Learning

> **NSF 04002526DB NSF STEM Education** · University of Massachusetts Lowell (MA) · $399,724

## Abstract

This Level 1 IUSE Engaged Student Learning project from the University of Massachusetts Lowell serves the national interest by developing AI-driven educational technology tools to support student learning in undergraduate computer science courses. Specifically, this project will explore how large-language models (LLMs) can be customized to enable tailored, interactive, and reflective learning experiences. The project-developed LLM will draw from student notes and course materials in tandem with existing data sets to personalize their learning experiences. The project tool will be iteratively improved through a collaborative process driven by students and will be used to simulate virtual students that will prompt users and encourage active learning. 

This project will explore how LLM tools can be better developed to support individualized learning and reflection.  The project goals are: (1) to examine how LLMs can provide personalized, content-specific support for STEM students; (2) to examine how LLMs can facilitate collaborative learning environments; and (3) to investigate how LLMs can support the design of active learning experiences.  The project will use retrieval-augmented generation techniques to align LLM outputs with course materials and student work to build engagement and reduce the incidence of generic responses.  The project will generate knowledge through a rigorous evaluation plan that will utilize a mixed-methods approach to explore the LLM development and 

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2518781
- **Awardee organization:** University of Massachusetts Lowell (MA)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** LTNVSTJ3R6D5
- **PI:** Sashank Narain
- **Primary program:** 04002526DB NSF STEM Education
- **All programs:** UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION, EHR CL Opportunities (NSF 14-302), GRADUATE INVOLVEMENT, AI-Supported Learning, AI Education/Workforce Develop, Improv Undergrad STEM Ed(IUSE)
- **Estimated total:** $399,724
- **Funds obligated:** $399,724
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2518781

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2518781, Enhancing Undergraduate STEM Education with Large Language Models: Personalization, Collaboration, and Active Learning. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-09 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2518781. Licensed CC0.

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