{"id":654,"date":"2025-10-06T22:32:13","date_gmt":"2025-10-06T22:32:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/coeng.uaa.alaska.edu\/AI\/?page_id=654"},"modified":"2025-10-06T22:32:14","modified_gmt":"2025-10-06T22:32:14","slug":"raise-mini-grant-community-statement-of-need","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/coeng.uaa.alaska.edu\/AI\/raise-mini-grant-community-statement-of-need\/","title":{"rendered":"RAISE Mini Grant – Community Statement of Need"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n
\n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n
\nRAISE - Mini Grants\n<\/div>

\nCommunity Partner Projects\n<\/h1>
\nAcademic Year 25\/26\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>
\n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n
\n

Project proposals from community partners in which artificial intelligence is used to help address a problem in Alaska.

For more information or to connect regarding specific projects, please reach out to the Community Partner Coordinator, Marilyn Jeffers, at m.jeffers@alaska.edu.\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>

\n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n

\nProject #1\n<\/h1>
\n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n

\nStatement of Need\n<\/h1>

\nExpertise needed in a UAA partner\n<\/h1>

\nAnticipated impact of a successful project\n<\/h1>\n<\/div>
\n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n
\n

Alaska's economy depends on responsible resource development, yet projects face significant risks from complex social, regulatory, and political challenges. Traditional analysis struggles with the volume and complexity of public data\u2014including news, regulatory documents, and legal filings\u2014making it difficult to identify risks. This uncertainty hinders investment and community-responsive resource development.

We propose a pilot project to apply AI and data science techniques to this challenge. The focus is on assembling and analyzing Alaska's vast but fragmented public data landscape to build a dataset to explore patterns related to project outcomes. The goal is to move from manual, reactive reviews to a more systematic, data-informed understanding of the factors influencing development in Alaska.\n<\/div>

\n

We are seeking a cross-disciplinary UAA team with expertise in:


  • Data Science & NLP: Skills in processing, structuring, and analyzing large volumes of unstructured text data from diverse sources.
  • Alaska Data Curation: Experience with Alaska's public data ecosystems (e.g., regulatory databases, news archives) and an understanding of data governance.
  • Domain Context: Knowledge of Alaska's policy, economic, or social landscape to help ensure data relevance and accuracy.
      \n<\/div>
      \n

      A successful project will demonstrate how advanced data techniques can illuminate persistent challenges in Alaska's economy. The impact will be:


      1. Academic: It will build UAA's capacity in applied data science, creating a valuable public dataset and research pipeline for future study.
      2. Community & Economic: The insights generated will contribute to more transparent, informed decision-making for communities, developers, and investors.
      3. Partnership: It will establish a model for collaborative, problem-focused research between UAA and Alaska\u2019s business.
          \n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>
          \n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n

          \nProject #2\n<\/h1>
          \n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n

          \nStatement of Need\n<\/h1>

          \nExpertise needed in a UAA partner\n<\/h1>

          \nAnticipated impact of a successful project\n<\/h1>\n<\/div>
          \n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n
          \n

          Alaska has rich public geospatial data (streams, habitats, land status, subsistence areas), but it is fragmented and difficult to use in early-stage resource project planning. This creates blind spots for developers, agencies, and communities as the state\u2019s critical minerals agenda takes shape.

          We propose piloting an open-source system that automatically processes a project\u2019s Area of Interest (AOI) and generates a standardized report on relevant environmental and land-use context. This will replace intensive manual mapping with a consistent, transparent baseline for early-stage project assessment and policy advocacy.\n<\/div>

          \n

          We are seeking a UAA team with expertise in:


          • Geospatial Data Science: Skills in processing, structuring, and analyzing spatial data (GIS programming, GeoPandas, automated ETL processes).
          • Alaska Geospatial Data Curation: Experience with Alaska's public geospatial data ecosystems (e.g., ADF&G, DNR, DGGS) and understanding of spatial data governance.
          • Lightweight Web Development: Ability to build a simple, open-source web application interface (e.g., Streamlit) for user interaction and report generation.\n<\/div>
            \n

            Demonstrate how automated geospatial analysis enables early-stage project planning and de-risking:


            1. Academic: Builds UAA\u2019s capacity in applied geospatial science while producing a structured, labeled dataset. This dataset becomes the essential foundation for future research, including the fine-tuning of geospatial foundation models for Alaska\u2019s unique landscape.
            2. Community & Economic: Provide start ups, developers, communities, and agencies with objective profiles of environmental and cultural sensitivity for any AOI. This enables more transparent dialogue and better-informed decision-making.
            3. Partnership: Establishes a model for collaborative, problem-focused research between UAA and Alaska\u2019s business community, delivering a tangible public tool while charting a course toward predictive geospatial intelligence.\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>
              \n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n

              \nProject #3\n<\/h1>
              \n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n

              \nStatement of Need\n<\/h1>

              \nExpertise needed in a UAA partner\n<\/h1>

              \nAnticipated impact of a successful project\n<\/h1>\n<\/div>
              \n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n
              \n

              Our organization provides critical support through care coordinators, who work directly with clients to assess needs, connect families with services, and ensure ongoing quality of care. However, staff are increasingly burdened with extensive paperwork and repetitive administrative tasks, such as documenting client interactions, updating care plans, completing compliance forms, and entering data across multiple systems. These time-consuming processes reduce the amount of direct client engagement and limit the number of individuals each coordinator can effectively serve. We are seeking to leverage artificial intelligence to streamline and automate these repetitive workflows, including document generation, form completion, and data entry. By utilizing AI to assist with summarizing client notes, auto-filling standard forms, and integrating information across platforms, we anticipate significantly reducing administrative overhead. This would free up care coordinators to focus on building relationships, providing person-centered care, and managing larger caseloads\u2014ultimately expanding our capacity to serve more individuals living with Alzheimer\u2019s disease and related dementias. In addition, AI-driven tools could support accuracy, consistency, and compliance in documentation, enhancing both staff efficiency and service quality. With this project, we hope to demonstrate how AI can be thoughtfully applied in a nonprofit healthcare setting to improve workforce sustainability and better meet the growing needs of our community.\n<\/div>

              \n

              The ideal collaborator would help us design practical AI tools to reduce paperwork, streamline documentation, and improve efficiency for care coordinators, while ensuring compliance with healthcare standards like HIPAA.\n<\/div>

              \n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>
              \n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n

              \nProject #4\n<\/h1>
              \n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n

              \nStatement of Need\n<\/h1>

              \nExpertise needed in a UAA partner\n<\/h1>

              \nAnticipated impact of a successful project\n<\/h1>\n<\/div>
              \n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n
              \n

              Develop a curriculum for grades 6 or higher that uses AI to explore their school sites or adjacent neighborhoods to determine runoff\/storm water retention, sun shade, adequacy of green spaces, accessibility using GIS or iscape or dreamzAR to learn the design process and develop solutions to improve their school grounds, neighborhood or park.\n<\/div>

              \n

              Someone with knowledge of alternative AI aps that are simple to use and can be adapted for student projects.\n<\/div>

              \n

              Create curriculum model that can be used throughout Alaska by local educators or with local designers to help Alaskan's develop solutions to their unique issues.\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>

              \n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n

              \nProject #5\n<\/h1>
              \n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n

              \nStatement of Need\n<\/h1>

              \nExpertise needed in a UAA partner\n<\/h1>

              \nAnticipated impact of a successful project\n<\/h1>\n<\/div>
              \n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n
              \n

              The need for the Alaska AI Solutions Consortium (AISC) Mini-Grant is deeply rooted in the pressing challenges faced by seniors in Southeast Alaska, particularly regarding their ability to safely age in place. The Juneau Economic Development Council\u2019s (JEDC) Environmental Modifications (E-Mod) program seeks to facilitate safe, independent living for seniors by supporting structural home modifications\u2014such as ramps, grab bars, and accessible bathrooms\u2014but currently encounters significant gaps in contractor participation, workforce training, and efficient outreach. These gaps are exacerbated by Southeast Alaska\u2019s rural character and geographic dispersion, which limit access to qualified service providers and slow adoption of best practices in home accessibility.

              Integrating AI technology through the Rural AI Solutions & Engagement Project offers a transformative solution to these persistent barriers. By leveraging artificial intelligence, JEDC aims to develop data-driven tools and predictive models that identify underserved senior populations, forecast future demand for accessibility modifications, and personalize contractor outreach and training initiatives. AI-enabled digital platforms can optimize matching between certified contractors and senior clients, streamline the collection and analysis of survey data, and automate resource allocation for high-impact interventions\u2014all with the goal of reducing inefficiencies and expanding program reach.

              Ultimately, AISC support will enable JEDC to harness AI as an essential catalyst in modernizing the E-Mod program\u2019s strategy and delivery. With targeted funding, JEDC plans to pilot AI-powered systems for needs assessment, ensuring that Southeast Alaska\u2019s seniors can age safely and comfortably in their homes. This synergy between JEDC\u2019s mission and advanced AI technology exemplifies NSF\u2019s vision of practical, community-focused AI solutions for rural and underserved\n<\/div>

              \n

              Integrated modeling\n<\/div>

              \n

              Streamlining of program efficiency and enhancement of user experience to optimize enrollment in the E-Mod program. \n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>

              \n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n

              \nProject #6\n<\/h1>
              \n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n

              \nStatement of Need\n<\/h1>

              \nExpertise needed in a UAA partner\n<\/h1>

              \nAnticipated impact of a successful project\n<\/h1>\n<\/div>
              \n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n
              \n

              The local economy is highly dependent on tourism. Cruise tourism has increased sharply over the past decade, with a 71% increase in passenger arrivals since 2015. While cruise tourism brings revenue through sales tax, it also leads to challenges for residents, such as traffic congestion, helicopter noise pollution, environmental risks, crowded trails, and increased seasonal costs. Growing anti-tourism sentiment is seen in recent efforts to gather signatures for a ballot measure that would limit the number of ships and visitors per season.

              A local initiative has worked to better understand patterns related to cruise ship visitation as part of efforts to optimize points of interest and infrastructure to minimize negative effects on residents. In early 2025, mobile location data was purchased from a national provider, containing geographic coordinates and time stamps of device \"pings.\" The goal is to use this data to analyze patterns of movement and visitor behavior during the summer cruise season and to explore AI models that can synthesize helpful insights from large datasets. There is also interest in using AI modeling to better understand economic trends within the tourism sector in the region.\n<\/div>

              \n

              • Data Science
              • Economics\n<\/div>
                \n

                • Providing city leadership with the tools to make better policy decisions relating to tourism
                • Helping local businesses and entrepreneurs have access to better information, and by extension, make better business decisions
                • Understanding recreational use within the Tongass Forest\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>
                  \n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n

                  \nProject #7\n<\/h1>
                  \n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n

                  \nStatement of Need\n<\/h1>

                  \nExpertise needed in a UAA partner\n<\/h1>

                  \nAnticipated impact of a successful project\n<\/h1>\n<\/div>
                  \n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n
                  \n

                  Develop an AI-driven system for near real-time fraud detection. The core objective is to detect fraudulent activities as they occur or within seconds. In order to do this, we need models that are able to leverage large data sets simultaneously, and be able to accommodate new fraud parameters on the fly without retraining the model from scratch. Solution should also move execution layers closer to the source of data, ensuring near real time response as well. \n<\/div>

                  \n

                  Expertise in AI\/ML techniques that accommodate real time and synchronous data evaluations. Edge computing, data integration, and cybersecurity experience could also be helpful.\n<\/div>

                  \n

                  A successful project identifies and prevents fraud for members, and adapts to the ever-changing threat landscape of financial services. \n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>

                  \n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n

                  \nProject #8\n<\/h1>
                  \n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n

                  \nStatement of Need\n<\/h1>

                  \nExpertise needed in a UAA partner\n<\/h1>

                  \nAnticipated impact of a successful project\n<\/h1>\n<\/div>
                  \n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n
                  \n

                  Develop an adversarial AI-driven defense system that can automatically detect malicious bot attacks and deploy adaptive countermeasures in near real time. Leverage adversarial ML techniques to train detection models that remain effective even as attackers evolve. System will be able to monitor network traffic and user activity, using anomaly detection and behavioral pattern recognition to distinguish bots that are mimicing human behavior. The platform would be able to respond with adaptive countermeasures requiring an execution mechanism -- such as updating firewalls, sandboxing, or serving decoy data -- to neutralize the threat before it escalates. Using feedback loops, the model (maybe using semi-supervised learning) would allow the AI to learn from each attack attempt and adapt to new fraud or attack patterns on the fly. \n<\/div>

                  \n

                  AI Research capabilities in anomaly detection and adaptive techniques, real time systems engineering or experience in using AI models in real time scenarios. Cybersecurity is a bonus.\n<\/div>

                  \n

                  We'd be directly addressing a pressing challenge in Alaska financial services, bolstering the digital resilience of Alaskans in a fast-paced world.\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>

                  \n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n

                  \nProject #9\n<\/h1>
                  \n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n

                  \nStatement of Need\n<\/h1>

                  \nExpertise needed in a UAA partner\n<\/h1>

                  \nAnticipated impact of a successful project\n<\/h1>\n<\/div>
                  \n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n
                  \n

                  We propose to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) technology to analyze data collected from our most recent Community Access Assessment. This assessment evaluates barriers to accessing the 10 vital services outlined in the 100% Communities framework: Housing Security Transportation to Vital Services Food Security Behavioral Health Services Medical and Dental Care Parent Supports Early Childhood Education Community Schools Youth Mentorship Job Training & Postsecondary Education By applying AI tools, we can move beyond traditional analysis and identify priority needs and tangible, high-impact projects that increase equitable access to these vital services. Cross-Sector Insights AI will also allow us to identify overlap among projects and highlight opportunities for cross-sector collaboration. This ensures that as we work to improve access in one area, we avoid creating unintended barriers in another. A data-driven approach helps us target solutions that achieve the greatest overall impact, fostering systems-level improvements across multiple service sectors. Community Engagement & Communication Finally, AI support will help translate findings into clear, actionable communications for both professionals and the public. Automated generation of reports, talking points, social media graphics, and outreach materials will make complex data more accessible, increase community understanding of access challenges, and spark broader engagement and buy-in from stakeholders and residents. In sum, this project combines AI innovation with community-driven priorities to ensure smarter decision-making, stronger collaboration, and lasting improvements in access to the vital services our residents need to thrive. AI support could also be instrumental in identifying overlap in projects and how cross collaboration across vital service sectors could benefit well beyond the one area. It's important that as we are working to incraese access to certain services in our community, we aren't negatively impacting others. Looking for higher impact opportunities that support cross-sector enhancements is of priority to this work and our project. Finally, this project could be helpful in creating reports, talking points, social media graphics and material, and various other marketing publications to help professionals and community members understand the challenges to access in our community, resulting in interest to get involved and more community buy-in.\n<\/div>

                  \n

                  To maximize the impact of this project, we are seeking a UAA partner with expertise in: Artificial Intelligence & Data Science Skills in applying AI\/ML methods to large, complex community datasets. Experience with clustering, pattern recognition, and predictive analytics to identify service gaps and prioritize interventions. Data Visualization & Communication Ability to transform raw data into accessible, visual formats (dashboards, infographics, interactive tools) that support decision-making for both professionals and community members. Systems & Network Analysis Knowledge of cross-sector systems analysis to identify overlaps, interdependencies, and unintended consequences when addressing barriers in one service area that may affect others. Community-Based Research & Evaluation Familiarity with participatory research methods and working alongside community coalitions to ensure that findings are relevant, culturally responsive, and actionable.\n<\/div>

                  \n

                  A successful partnership between our community coalition and UAA will significantly advance both data-driven decision-making and real-world outcomes for families across Alaska. By combining local knowledge with UAA\u2019s technical expertise, this project will: Sharpen Priorities: Identify the most urgent access barriers within the 10 vital services, enabling communities to focus limited resources on the highest-impact projects. Strengthen Cross-Sector Collaboration: Reveal overlaps and interdependencies between service areas, ensuring that solutions in one sector do not unintentionally hinder another and instead contribute to system-wide improvements. Increase Equity in Access: Highlight gaps affecting vulnerable populations, leading to more inclusive and equitable strategies for housing, food, health care, education, and supports. Enhance Community Engagement: Produce clear, compelling reports and visuals that make complex data understandable for both professionals and residents, fostering stronger community buy-in and participation. Support Sustainability: Provide local leaders and policymakers with evidence-based recommendations to guide long-term planning, funding decisions, and cross-sector initiatives. Ultimately, the project will empower our community with the tools, insights, and communication strategies needed to reduce barriers, align resources, and accelerate progress toward the 100% Communities vision \u2014 where every family can access the vital services they need to thrive.\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>

                  \n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n

                  \nProject #10\n<\/h1>
                  \n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n

                  \nStatement of Need\n<\/h1>

                  \nExpertise needed in a UAA partner\n<\/h1>

                  \nAnticipated impact of a successful project\n<\/h1>\n<\/div>
                  \n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n
                  \nPrivate: Faculty please inquire for more information\n<\/div>
                  \nPrivate: Faculty please inquire for more information\n<\/div>
                  \nPrivate: Faculty please inquire for more information\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>
                  \n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n

                  \nProject #11\n<\/h1>
                  \n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n

                  \nStatement of Need\n<\/h1>

                  \nExpertise needed in a UAA partner\n<\/h1>

                  \nAnticipated impact of a successful project\n<\/h1>\n<\/div>
                  \n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n
                  \nPrivate: Faculty please inquire for more information\n<\/div>
                  \nPrivate: Faculty please inquire for more information\n<\/div>
                  \nPrivate: Faculty please inquire for more information\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>
                  \n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n

                  \nProject #12\n<\/h1>
                  \n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n

                  \nStatement of Need\n<\/h1>

                  \nExpertise needed in a UAA partner\n<\/h1>

                  \nAnticipated impact of a successful project\n<\/h1>\n<\/div>
                  \n \n \n\t\n\n\n\n
                  \nPrivate: Faculty please inquire for more information\n<\/div>
                  \nPrivate: Faculty please inquire for more information\n<\/div>
                  \nPrivate: Faculty please inquire for more information\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>