Kean Assistant Professor Meng Xu, Ph.D., Earns Prestigious NIH-Funded Research Fellowship
Assistant Professor Meng Xu, Ph.D., in the Department of Computer Science and Technology at Kean University, has been awarded an AIM-AHEAD Research Fellowship Grant to support her work applying Artificial Intelligence (AI) to breast cancer detection.
“Dr. Xu’s achievement reflects the spirit of innovation and impact that drives our faculty,” said George Chang, Ph.D., dean of the Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics and Technology. “Her research has the potential to make a real difference in people’s lives and serves as an inspiration to our students and colleagues across the University.”
Xu’s project, titled Deep Learning Applications for Early Detection of Breast Cancer in Mammography, received $51,840 through the grant. It aims to enhance early diagnosis by using AI-powered computer-aided detection (CAD) tools. The technology is designed to assist radiologists in identifying signs of cancer with greater speed and accuracy, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing diagnostic errors.
“Receiving the AIM-AHEAD Research Fellowship is a great honor and a major step forward for my research in medical AI,” said Xu. “This support allows us to explore new deep learning methods that can make medical imaging more accurate and accessible. I am proud to carry out this work at Kean, where innovation and student engagement go hand in hand. The results of this project will lay the groundwork for future large-scale grants that will further strengthen our research and advance the AI4Healthcare field.”
The AIM-AHEAD Research Fellowship Grant, funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), empowers early-career researchers to advance health equity through the use of AI and data science in biomedical research.
A junior faculty member, Xu joined Kean in 2023 and currently teaches a range of computer science courses. This is her third external research grant award, furthering her focus on unique approaches to emerging technology in healthcare.
Latest Kean News
- Kean University Establishes First Endowed Professorship in College of Education Honoring Betty C. Elrod Cobb ’75Kean University is honoring the legacy of Betty C. Elrod Cobb ’75 with the establishment of the University’s first endowed professorship in the College of Education, a milestone made possible by a generous gift from her daughter, Karla C. Elrod.
- Kean University Researcher Conducts Study on Osteoarthritis’ Impact on the BrainKean University Assistant Professor Alka Bishnoi, Ph.D., has published research on the link between balance and cognition in women with osteoarthritis.
- Kean Pride Shines at 2025 Homecoming CelebrationKean University’s Homecoming 2025 brought students, faculty, staff, alumni and families together for a weeklong celebration of Cougar pride, connection and tradition that truly felt like coming home.
- Kean University’s Robin Landa to Be Inducted Into NJ Ad Club’s 2025 Advertising Hall of Fame of New Jerseyean University Distinguished Professor Robin Landa will be inducted into NJ Ad Club’s 2025 Advertising Hall of Fame of New Jersey
- Kean University and NJCU Sign Definitive Merger Agreement to Launch Kean Jersey CityLeaders of Kean University and New Jersey City University (NJCU) this week signed a definitive agreement advancing the historic merger between the two state universities, expanding access and opportunities for students from across the region for generations to come. The governing boards of both universities approved the agreement, which outlines key terms for the creation of Kean Jersey City, this week.
- Poet Juan Felipe Herrera Inspires Kean University Students with Message of Voice and Compassion at Common ReadJuan Felipe Herrera, the first Latino appointed U.S. Poet Laureate, on Monday urged Kean University students to embrace the power of their own voices during the University’s 5th annual Common Read event. “Without a voice, no existence. Without a voice, no freedom. Without a voice, we cannot bring about change,” Herrera told the audience.