College of Integrated Science and Engineering

The role and impact of AI tools and practices that inform data visualization pedagogy

Artificial Intelligence (AI) impacts all levels of learning and is most helpful when dealing with large amounts of data. This project will perform a systematic review of past and current AI tools and practices that have been used to teach data visualization. The purpose of the project is to identify what has been done and inform future paths of research inquiry.

Research keywords: Data Visualization, AI Tools

Preferred skills: The successful candidate must have basic computer skills that include: saving files with specific filenames, renaming files, organizing files in a digital folder, must be able to type, must be able to do specific web searches based on criteria provided, be open to learning how to use a reference manager (EndNote), communicates well, capable of learning new skills.

Project website link: Go to the website 

Expected starting date: Spring 2026

Advisor name: Vetria Byrd

Home department: Computer Science

Contact email address: byrdvl@jmu.edu

Contact phone number:  8-3335

College of Integrated Science and Engineering

Application of AI to support data visualization teaching and learning

AI (Artificial Intelligence) is everywhere! It’s seen in every aspect of daily life, from health and fitness to education; all fueled by data. Lots of data! Data visualization is the process of transforming data into meaning. This project will give students an opportunity to explore the intersection of AI, data visualization and the multidisciplinary nature of the two fields. This project aims to investigate how AI has been applied in data visualization education, which approaches, techniques, and architectures have been adopted, and how they have contributed to teaching, learning, engagement, and curiosity in undergraduate courses. The findings will help identify successful practices, highlight gaps, and reveal opportunities for developing new approaches to enhance both teaching and learning experiences.

Research keywords: Data visualization, artificial intelligence, pedagogy

Preferred skills: The successful applicant should be highly motivated to learn how to search for AI applications used in data visualization and for teaching. The student should have a curiosity for exploring AI tools for usability. The student will learn how to search for scientific papers using a rubric provided to identify relevant database platforms, search terms, organize and share digital files, and collaborate openly with other students.

Project website link: Go to the website 

Expected starting date: Spring 2026

Advisor name: Carolina Veiga F de Souza

Home department: Department of Computer Science

Contact email address: hh8yvn@jmu.edu

Contact phone number: 3123993967

College of Health and Behavioral Studies

Longitudinal Relationships Between Mobile Phone Addiction, Bedtime Procrastination, and Exercise Self-Efficacy in College Students

We are looking for JMU undergraduates to take part in an online survey study for a Kinesiology honors thesis. The study looks at how phone use and putting off going to bed relate to students' confidence in their ability to exercise, and how those connections change over time. Participants complete two Qualtrics surveys, each taking about 10 to 15 minutes, about two to three months apart. Questions cover everyday phone habits, bedtime routines, and exercise. Participation is voluntary, and responses are kept confidential. JMU email addresses are collected only to match the two surveys and are removed before analysis. This study has been approved by the JMU IRB (Protocol #IRB-FY27-236).

Research keywords: Kinesiology, exercise science, sleep, smartphone use, health behavior, survey research

Preferred skills: N/A

Project website link: Go to the website 

Expected starting date: Spring 2026

Advisor name: Chelsea Duncan

Home department: Kinesiology

Contact email address: mille9jr@dukes.jmu.edu

External

DOE Science, Technology and Policy Program-Office of International Affairs Fellowship

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Science, Technology and Policy Program (DOE-STP) is designed to provide opportunities for students, postgraduates, and faculty to participate in programs, projects, and activities at the Department. Fellows will receive hands-on experience that provides an understanding of the mission, operations, and culture of the DOE. As a result, fellows will gain deep insight into the federal government's role in the creation and implementation of energy technology policies; apply their scientific, policy, and technical knowledge to the development of solutions to issues of importance to the DOE and continue their education and involvement in areas that support the DOE mission either in a technical or policy-related role.

Eligibility: Open to undergraduates, Postgraduates, and Faculty

Note: You must be a U.S. Citizen with a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree, and be 18 years of age

Website: Go to the website

Apply Now: Go to the website

External

National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)

NSF-funded summer research programs at universities and labs across the country. Students work on projects in STEM fields, including biology, chemistry, engineering, and computer science.

Eligibility: Open to undergraduates in STEM disciplines.

Website: NSF REU Program

External

National Institutes of Health (NIH) Summer Internship Program in Biomedical Research

A summer program for students interested in biomedical research. Interns work alongside NIH scientists in Bethesda, MD, or other NIH locations.

Eligibility: Open to undergraduates interested in biomedical or health-related research.

Website: NIH SIP

External

Amgen Scholars Program

A summer research program hosted at top universities worldwide, focusing on biotechnology and biomedical research.

Eligibility: Open to undergraduates in science or engineering fields.

Website: Amgen Scholars

External

Amy and Paul Goodall Scholarship

Applications are now open for the Amy and Paul Goodall Scholarship for undergraduate students. This award supports innovative, feasible applied research projects that contribute to environmental sustainability. Applicants should clearly demonstrate how their project can be successfully completed. Preference is given to projects with a strong fieldwork component.

Eligibility:  JMU Undergraduate student with a major in the College of Integrated Science & Engineering or the College of Science and Math.

Website: Amy and Paul Goodall Scholarship

External

Commonwealth Center for Advanced Logistics Systems (CCALS)

 The Commonwealth Center for Advanced Logistics Systems (CCALS), a Virginia-based, five-university non-profit consortium, is seeking two (possibly three) Fellows to support an applied research and system design project focused on drone-enabled cold chain logistics in Virginia.

Findings from this project may be developed into a formal paper and presentation for the CCALS–CILTNA Logistics Conference (October 2026), providing Fellows with the opportunity to contribute to a professional audience.

Eligibility: Current undergraduate or graduate student (preferred)

Website: Commonwealth Center for Advanced Logistics Systems (CCALS)

External

National Research Conference at Penn (NRCP)

National Research Conference at Penn (NRCP) provides a multidisciplinary platform for undergraduate researchers from across the country to showcase their work through poster presentations and a grant-proposal-style competition. The conference also features keynote speakers and networking sessions aimed at fostering academic and professional growth.

Eligibility: Undergraduate researchers

Website: National Research Conference at Penn (NRCP)