# EPSCoR Research Fellows: NSF: Artificial Intelligence Test Platform for Plant Single-Cell Protein Data and Use Cases

> **NSF 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · University of Nebraska-Lincoln (NE) · $300,000

## Abstract

This Research Infrastructure Improvement (RII) EPSCoR Research Fellows project provides a fellowship to an Assistant professor and training for a graduate student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. This work is conducted in collaboration with Iowa State University. Through the fellowship, the PI will develop an artificial intelligence platform that helps plant scientists analyze and query emerging single-cell protein data through standardized use cases. While many studies measure gene activity, proteins carry out most biological functions, and new technologies allow researchers to measure proteins in plant cells. However, these data are difficult to interpret and often inaccessible without advanced training. This project will create user-friendly tools that integrate protein and gene data and allow researchers to ask biological questions using natural language. The work combines computer science, plant biology, and data science, and will strengthen research capacity, workforce training, and digital agriculture innovation in Nebraska.

This project will establish a prototype artificial intelligence test bed for integrating plant single-cell proteomics and transcriptomics into a unified analytical framework. The intellectual contribution lies in developing plant-specific data standards and scalable computational pipelines that address the sparsity and heterogeneity of single-cell protein measurements. The PI will implement cross-modal embedding methods, machine learning-based imputation, protein-protein interaction network integration within a web-accessible environment. A chatbot-guided interface will be developed to support structured query translation into validated analytical workflows, improving interpretability and usability for domain scientists. The fellowship will expand research infrastructure at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln by enhancing expertise in proteomics-driven artificial intelligence, strengthening collaborations with Iowa State Universit

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2531873
- **Awardee organization:** University of Nebraska-Lincoln (NE)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** HTQ6K6NJFHA6
- **PI:** Qiuming Yao
- **Primary program:** 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** Artificial Intelligence (AI), Biotechnology, EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES
- **Estimated total:** $300,000
- **Funds obligated:** $300,000
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 05/01/2026 → 04/30/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2531873

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2531873, EPSCoR Research Fellows: NSF: Artificial Intelligence Test Platform for Plant Single-Cell Protein Data and Use Cases. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-07-19 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2531873. Licensed CC0.

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