KBOCC Receives $700,000 NSF Award
August 14, 2026
KBOCC Receives $700,000 NSF AwardKeweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College (KBOCC) has received a $700,000 award from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) to support a new initiative focused on expanding the College’s applied research capacity and hands-on student opportunities. The cross-disciplinary project—titled “Enhancing Academic Experiences within Applied Research, AI Integration, and Workforce Readiness”—will be led collaboratively by Tim Raymond, Human Studies Department Chair, and Ruby Alhajjar, PhD, Health Sciences Department Chair. “This NSF award gives us an incredible opportunity to expand what applied research can look like for our students,” said Raymond. “By bringing together Human Studies, Health Sciences, artificial intelligence, fabrication, and emerging technologies, we are creating pathways for students to move beyond the classroom and become active participants in research, design, and innovation. Students shouldn’t just study the future—they should help build it.” The initiative will open the door for students to gain hands-on experience in multidisciplinary research areas. "This NSF award marks an exciting milestone for KBOCC and our Health Sciences Department as we expand opportunities for students to engage in applied research at the intersection of health sciences, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and emerging technologies,” said Alhajjar. “Through hands-on learning, course-based undergraduate research experiences, and interdisciplinary collaboration, students will develop the scientific, technical, and problem-solving skills needed to address real-world health and environmental challenges.”
Ruby Alhajjar teaches a class in the College's recently renovated science lab
Tim Raymond poses with 3D printer in the College's FAST Lab