NDSU engineering professor receives research award

NDSU assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering Shuvashis Dey has received a National Science Foundation International Research Experience Award for his project “International Research Experience on Radio Frequency Identification Sensing System with Application of Machine Learning for Accurate Sensing.”

The primary goal of this project is to provide international research experience to U.S. students in the field of intelligent sensing systems, focusing on RFID-based sensors and the integration of artificial intelligence.

Each year, eight students will be selected to participate in an eight-week research program at the University of Technology Sydney in Australia. Under the mentorship of Dr. Yang Yang, an internationally recognized expert in RF engineering, and the 3D Millimetre-Wave and Terahertz Circuits and Antennas group at the UTS Tech Lab, students will work on cutting-edge RFID sensing projects enhanced by AI applications.

“This award is a significant milestone for North Dakota State University and our research program,” Dey said. “It enhances NDSU’s international footprint and validates our growing leadership in RFID, IoT, and AI-enhanced sensing systems. It also builds on our existing NSF-supported infrastructure, like the DragonFly IV 3D printer for additively manufactured electronics, by creating pathways for student engagement in globally relevant research. For my team, this award strengthens our interdisciplinary vision and allows us to mentor future innovators who will contribute to critical sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and food supply chains.”

NDSU assistant electrical and computer engineering professors Kushal Ponguoti and Umamaheswara Rao Tida are co-principal investigators on the project.

“Dr. Dey’s work is advancing fundamental research and collaborations in technologies that are key to our country’s competitiveness globally,” said NDSU vice president of research and creative activity Colleen Fitzgerald. “It is another example of how NDSU research has impact nationally and globally in critical areas for our nation.”

RFID is a technology that uses radio waves to identify people or objects. Dey’s research team focuses on developing passive RFID sensor systems that monitor application conditions such as innovative packaging and precision agriculture.

“By collaborating with the University of Technology Sydney, a global leader in RF engineering, we’re allowing students to work on Radio Frequency resonator design, smart material integration, and machine learning frameworks for accurate sensing,” Dey said. “The hands-on projects will allow them to engage with cutting-edge tools and concepts essential for next-generation wireless sensing systems.”

Recent advances in computing and AI algorithms have opened up new opportunities across various fields, including image recognition, gaming, and health monitoring. RFID-based sensing is an emerging technology with applications in food quality monitoring, precision agriculture, healthcare, and structural integrity assessment. As the adoption of RFID sensors grows, the volume of generated data will increase dramatically, necessitating the use of AI for real-time and accurate decision-making.

AI has already become a key enabler in areas like medical diagnostics, food safety, and structural health monitoring, offering improved quality control at reduced cost.

“The practical relevance of this research to North Dakota is especially significant in agriculture,” Dey said. “The soil moisture sensing technologies being developed can support precision irrigation, helping farmers optimize water usage, improve crop yields, and reduce operational costs. Additionally, smart packaging sensors could be useful to North Dakota’s food producers and supply chains by providing real-time monitoring of perishables. Beyond applications, the program also contributes to workforce development by training students in areas like AI, sensing, and wireless communication, skills that are increasingly vital across rural and high-tech sectors in the state.”

Dey said the program intends to “provide students with a well-rounded international experience that blends high-impact research with meaningful cultural engagement.”

The students will get hands-on training in RFID sensor design, innovative material integration and AI model development. They will also be able to participate in many cultural activities in Sydney.

“This exposure not only fosters professional growth but also cultivates global citizenship, empathy, and cross-cultural communication, traits that are increasingly essential in today’s interconnected world,” Dey said.

The program will provide valuable experience in low-cost sensor system development, while promoting global collaboration and preparing students for an increasingly international and interdisciplinary research workforce.

“Looking ahead, this IRES initiative sets the stage for continued growth in our research on RFID and AI-integrated sensing systems,” Dey said. “It opens doors to future collaborations with UTS and other international partners, follow-up NSF proposals, and the development of new courses and research modules at NDSU. We expect the insights and data generated by this program to lead to multiple publications and potential innovations in agriculture, healthcare, and environmental monitoring. Ultimately, this project supports our broader mission of advancing interdisciplinary research and preparing students for leadership in global, technology-driven careers.”

Funding for this project comes from NSF Award #2505405.