# IGE: Track 2: AI-Driven Virtual Teaching Assistant (ViTA) in Medical Biophysics Graduate Education

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Clemson University (SC) · $700,000

## Abstract

This National Science Foundation Innovations in Graduate Education (IGE) award to Clemson University will develop and evaluate an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven Virtual Teaching Assistant (ViTA) designed to support interdisciplinary graduate education in medical biophysics. Graduate students in this field face unique challenges due to the complexity of integrating concepts from physics, biology, chemistry, and engineering. These challenges are compounded by the lack of structured human teaching assistant support in many advanced courses. ViTA is an innovative solution that uses expert-validated generative AI to deliver personalized, context aware academic support within existing graduate curricula. By offering real-time feedback and interactive engagement, ViTA aims to improve learning outcomes, support a wide variety of student populations and contribute to institutional efforts to improve scalable graduate education.

ViTA integrates fine-tuned generative AI models with retrieval-augmented generation pipelines to provide expert-validated, domain-specific feedback embedded directly into a learning management system. The project will use a mixed-methods research design to evaluate ViTA’s impact across cognitive, behavioral, and affective learning domains. Assessment strategies include validated pre/post tests, surveys of self-efficacy and cognitive load, reflective journals, and AI interaction analytics. Control and experimental cohorts will be drawn from students at t

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2530060
- **Awardee organization:** Clemson University (SC)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** H2BMNX7DSKU8
- **PI:** Ramakrishna Podila
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** AI Education/Workforce Develop, IGE-Innovations in Graduate Ed, GRADUATE INVOLVEMENT, SCIENCE, MATH, ENG & TECH EDUCATION, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Translational Research, EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES
- **Estimated total:** $700,000
- **Funds obligated:** $700,000
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2029

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2530060

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2530060, IGE: Track 2: AI-Driven Virtual Teaching Assistant (ViTA) in Medical Biophysics Graduate Education. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2530060. Licensed CC0.

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