Overview
An NSF funded training program for Gallaudet MS students to become leaders and innovators in Universal Artificial Intelligence to make Artificial Intelligence universal. Trainees get $37K stipend and tuition waiver for 1 year.
About the Program
This National Science Foundation Research Traineeship Institutional Partnership Pilot (NRT-IPP) award, led by Gallaudet University and Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), will create an integrated and interdisciplinary training curriculum for a new master’s program track to develop innovative skills for creating broadly accessible AI. It will address gaps in graduate training to ensure that future AI developers consider the full range of users’ sensory abilities. The project anticipates training 100 Master of Science (MS) students, including 25 funded trainees, from Accessible Human-Centered Computing, Neuroscience, Education, Cognitive Science, and related STEM disciplines.
Interdisciplinary Curriculum
12-element graduate training model covering AI, accessibility, policy, ethics, and user-centered design.
Industry and Research Partnerships
Hands-on collaboration with partners including Microsoft, Apple, IBM, AppTek, and RIT.
Mentorship and Career Development
Personalized mentorship, internships, and a professional network to support leadership in inclusive AI.
Trainee Stages
Fellowship (initial NRT year)
- Conduct a research project in a track
- Experience in mentored team science
- Participate in the training curriculum
Continuation (pre-graduation)
- Eligible for seed grant, attend roundtables
- Present talks in the AHCCP seminar
- Be on Trainee Council, mentor near-peers
Community (post-graduation)
- Participate in the Gallaudet University NRT-IPP: Universal-AI alumni network
- Advance new AL research initiatives
- Engage in AI research mentoring
- Advocate for research excellence in AI
| Training Opportunities | Trainees with a fellowship | Trainees without a fellowship | Other students |
| Research in Track and Faculty Mentoring | √ | √ | |
| Travel Support | √ | √ | |
| Lab Rotations | √ | Eligible (once) | |
| National Lab and Industry Internships | √ | Eligible | |
| Travel to Partner Institutions | √ | ||
| Seed Grant Projects (until graduation) | Eligible | Eligible | |
| Trainee Council and Peer-Mentoring (until graduation) | Eligible | Eligible | |
| REU Day | √ | √ | Open |
| STAMP Day | √ | √ | Open |
| GIEI | √ | √ | Open |
| Human Factors in AI Course | √ | √ | Open |
| AHC Seminars | √ | √ | Open |
| Database Submission | Eligible | Eligible | Eligible |
- M.A. in Counseling (hybrid)
- M.A. in Deaf Education Studies program (hybrid)
- M.A. in Deaf Studies
- M.A. in Deaf Education (online) with tracks in:
- Early Childhood Education and Deaf Education
- Elementary Education and Deaf Education
- Secondary Education and Deaf Education
- Deaf Education
- M.A. in Early Intervention Studies (hybrid)
- M.A. in International Development
- M.A. in Interpretation
- M.A. in Linguistics
- M.A. in Sign Language Education (hybrid)
- M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology
- M.S. in Accessible Human-Centered Computing
- M.S.W. in Social Work (online)
- Master of Public Administration (online, hybrid, or in-person)
FAQ
Please email the AWARE-AI NRT program at universal.ai.nrt@gallaudet.edu if you have any questions.
Yes, the program is open to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and U.S. permanent residents. On the application form, you will be required to confirm your status.
Yes, international students can participate in the program as NRT Trainees without fellowships. For support provided, see the “Trainee Stages” section on this page
NRT is an opportunity for Gallaudet MS students. You should be enrolled in one of the eligible graduate programs at Gallaudet University (see “Eligible Graduate Programs” section on this page.
Funded fellowship participants will receive a stipend for the academic year. For additional support provided, see the “Trainee Stages” section on this page.
In this program, you will be treated with respect. All members of this program are expected to contribute to a respectful, welcoming, and productive environment for everyone. We are committed to providing a safe learning environment.
News
CSUN Assistive Technology Conference has provided an inclusive setting for researchers, practitioners, exhibitors, end users, speakers, and other participants to share knowledge and best practices in the field of assistive technology. In 2025, the conference drew more than 5,000 people to Anaheim, CA. Known as a forum that showcases cutting-edge technology and practical solutions to remove barriers that prevent the full participation of persons with disabilities in educational, workplace, and social settings, the conference is the largest of its kind in the world. Come visit our exhibit booth. Note: the exhibit booth will end at 1:30 on March 13, 2026.
The NRT Annual Meeting is the yearly conference for the NSF Research Traineeship (NRT) program, bringing together graduate students, faculty, and partners from institutions across the U.S. to share strategies, showcase interdisciplinary research, and develop innovative approaches for training future STEM leaders in high-priority, convergent research areas like AI, quantum, and biotech. It serves as a crucial networking and learning event to build a diverse STEM workforce.
The NRT+ alliance is engaging its partnering members in several joint activities, including four in-person summits where trainees and mentors meet each other, one at each university, centering on joint activities.
Meet the Team
Raja Kushalnagar
PI, Universal AI NRT-IPP
Christian Vogler
Co-PI, Universal AI NRT-IPP
Charmaine Mendonsa
Project Coordinator, Universal AI NRT-IPP
Abraham Glasser
Senior Personnel, Universal AI NRT-IPP
Matthew Seita
Senior Personnel, Universal AI NRT-IPP
Jonah Winninghoff
Senior Personnel, Universal AI NRT-IPP
NSF Research Traineeship – Institutional Partnership Pilot (NRT-IPP): Universal AI program. The IAB has two principal purposes:
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- Provide strategic expertise and guidance to ensure that this transformative graduate training program aligns with Gallaudet University’s mission and institutional priorities.
- Contribute to a long-term strategic plan aimed at accelerating the growth of AI-adjacent degree programs and strengthening Gallaudet’s leadership and research excellence in the field of Universal AI.
- Khadijat Rashid, Provost
- Maribel Garate, Interim Dean of Faculty
- Beth Gibbons, Associate Dean of the Graduate School
- Poorna Kushalnagar, Strategic Research Officer
- Daniel Lundberg, STAMP School Director
As an Independent Advisory Board member will play a crucial role in ensuring the program’s excellence, sustainability, and national impact. The board’s expertise will guide our efforts to:
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- Strengthen the academic, research, and professional development components of the Universal-AI traineeship.
- Foster cross-institutional and industry partnerships.
- Ensure alignment with national priorities in inclusive and responsible AI.
- Advise on workforce pathways and trainee outcomes.
- Samantha Cook, Deloitte Consulting LLP
- Nikolas Kelly, Sign Speak
- Apptek: Mike Veronis, Apptek,
- Scott Van Nice, Procter and Gamble
- Joe Merino, MS, Accessible Human-Centered Computing Policy
- Paige DeVries, MS, Accessible Human-Centered Computing Policy
Contact
- Universal AI NRT at Gallaudet University
- HMB | N318
- click to show email
- (202) 651-5000
- (202) 559-5622
