BIO-AI: STAR: Machine Learning for Robust Demographic Inference Under Biologically Realistic Conditions

NSF Award Search · 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $399,999 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

Across the tree of life, populations diverge upon isolation by geographic barriers, exchange migrants upon secondary contact, and adapt to environmental pressures. These processes leave signatures in species’ genomes, which can be used to understand the factors shaping biodiversity. However, popular methods for disentangling these signatures are limited both in terms of efficiency and accuracy, and Artificial Intelligence (specifically, machine learning) offers a powerful alternative. Despite recent advances, machine learning approaches have yet to reach their potential in this field and remain limited in the processes they can consider, their applicability across organisms, and their accessibility to researchers with varying levels of technical expertise. The proposed work will develop robust, user-friendly machine learning tools for investigators studying the drivers of diversification. Furthermore, the proposed work will use these tools to illuminate the evolutionary histories of several empirical systems, including fruit flies, mosquitoes, plants, snails, and slugs. By creating well-documented, user-friendly tools, this work will provide a valuable resource to the broader community of evolutionary biologists. Furthermore, the work will support NSF’s desired societal outcome of the development of a globally competitive workforce by hosting workshops (both virtual and in-person), and training a postdoctoral researcher, a graduate student, several undergraduates, and high s

Key facts

NSF award ID
2552066
Awardee
Mississippi State University (MS)
SAM.gov UEI
NTXJM52SHKS7
PI
Megan L Smith
Primary program
01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
Artificial Intelligence (AI), BIO-AI, EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES
Estimated total
$399,999
Funds obligated
$399,999
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
08/01/2026 → 07/31/2029