GSSRP

Group Summer Scholars Research Program — Kean University

What is GSSRP?

The Group Summer Scholars Research Program (GSSRP) is a summer research initiative at Kean University offering an immersive research experience for high school students interested in pursuing STEM education and careers. Participants engage in authentic research projects while building technical skills, gaining hands-on experience, learning teamwork, and understanding how scientific knowledge is created.

My 2026 Stream: Introduction to Machine Learning & AI

2026 Introduction to Machine Learning & AI stream group photo

I lead this stream with a single goal: take students from the fundamentals of AI all the way to building and deploying a real system, then let each of them chase that arc into a project of their own choosing. The stream combines structured coursework, participation in the Kean Cup AI Competition, hands-on group projects, and involvement in my ongoing research.

Coursework

Coursework follows that same arc — understand how AI works, learn to build it, then learn to run it in the real world.

  • Foundations
    • Introduction to AI concepts and the end-to-end machine learning workflow
    • Core machine learning models: neural networks, regression, and time series forecasting
    • Neuroevolution-based neural architecture search
  • Tools & Practices
    • Python programming in Google Colab
    • Linux fundamentals and package management with Homebrew
    • Version control with Git
    • Agentic AI coding tools, practicing "vibe coding" to build and debug project code
  • Hardware & Deployment
    • Setting up and soldering a Raspberry Pi Zero
    • Building embedded system applications
  • Communication
    • Scientific writing and presentation skills

Projects

That same arc plays out in the projects: everyone starts from the same foundation, then each student follows their own interest into a project spanning the full stack, from embedded systems hardware all the way to software and AI algorithm design. This year's team happens to be made up entirely of girls (our TA is the only boy), so alongside our technical projects we also put together a poster recognizing women who have made tremendous contributions to computing and AI.