Graduate students at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa are tackling innovative projects, such as renewable energy modeling and pediatric heart diagnostics powered by artificial intelligence (AI), through a groundbreaking interdisciplinary program. Open to master’s and PhD students across diverse fields such as engineering, social sciences, natural sciences, business and medicine, the program offers funding for both research and tuition, fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration and cutting-edge discoveries.
The DESCARTES (Data in Engineering and Society Converging Applications, Research, and Training Enhancements for Students) National Science Foundation (NSF) AI Research Traineeship at UH Mānoa provides a transformative approach to AI and data science education and research. It empowers students with the tools to address issues, such as decarbonization, healthcare and communication networks, while emphasizing equity and inclusion.
“We’re not just training the next generation of AI researchers—we’re empowering them to create meaningful change right here in the state.” — London Thompson
“The DESCARTES program represents a unique convergence of cutting-edge AI education and Hawaiʻi’s most pressing challenges, where our graduate students are developing solutions that directly benefit our island communities while gaining invaluable skills in emerging technologies,” said London Thompson, program coordinator. “By focusing on culturally relevant projects like renewable energy and healthcare improvements, we’re not just training the next generation of AI researchers—we’re empowering them to create meaningful change right here in the state.”
The program’s first cohort, consisting of 12 UH Mānoa graduate students, kicked off in fall 2024. Applications are currently being accepted on a rolling basis with cohort 2 starting in summer 2025.
Participants in the program receive a fellowship of up to $34,000 annually, along with full coverage of their graduate tuition. Master’s students are funded for one year, while PhD students receive funding for two years. Additional opportunities, such as graduate assistantships and teaching assistantships, are also available. The curriculum combines modular, self-paced learning with core courses and practical, real-world projects guided by faculty mentors and external advisors. Trainees engage in bi-monthly seminars, workshops and community-driven research collaborations, fostering both academic and professional growth.
Students gain real-world skills with hands-on work
Through a unique blend of interdisciplinary coursework, mentorship and hands-on research, students gain expertise in data science, machine learning and their applications across fields such as engineering, computer science, economics, urban and regional planning and business. Trainees develop critical competencies in teamwork, project management, leadership and effective communication, all essential for success in academia, industry and government labs.
Key goals of the program include increasing the representation of women, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders in STEM, developing culturally relevant curricula and fostering collaborations with Indigenous and local organizations.
The program is funded by a five-year, $3 million award from NSF. It is housed in the UH Mānoa College of Engineering.
For more information and to apply, visit this website.
The DESCARTES program exemplifies UH’s strategic imperative to prepare students for the jobs of today and tomorrow, part of the UH System’s strategic plan’s focus on workforce development.
