Louisiana Tech University’s Dr. Abdur Rahman received a two-year, $185,000 National Science Foundation (NSF) award to develop artificial intelligence systems that can identify problems in critical infrastructure such as power grids, water networks, manufacturing facilities, and transportation systems. The award marks an early research milestone for Rahman, who is completing his first year as assistant professor in the College of Engineering and Science (COES) Industrial Engineering program.
The project, titled ERI: Flexible, Adaptive, and Explainable Anomaly Detection under Distribution Shift in Multivariate Time Series, focuses on developing AI models that can adapt as real-world conditions change while providing clear explanations for their decisions in complex sensor-based systems. Rahman’s research addresses a major challenge in AI known as “distribution shift,” where systems trained under one set of conditions struggle to remain accurate as environments evolve over time.
“AI models often perform very well in controlled environments, but real-world systems constantly change,” Rahman said. “Equipment ages, operating conditions shift, and environmental factors vary. Our goal is to develop AI systems that can adapt to those changes while remaining reliable and transparent for the people who depend on them.”
Anomaly detection identifies unusual patterns that may signal equipment failures, safety concerns, cyberattacks, or operational problems. Early detection can help prevent costly downtime, reduce safety risks, and stop small issues from becoming major failures. Rahman’s approach emphasizes flexibility, adaptability, and explainability.
“Explainability is essential when AI is being used in systems people rely on every day,” Rahman said. “Operators need to understand not only that an alert was triggered but also why it was triggered, so they can make informed decisions quickly and confidently.”
COES Dean Collin Wick said the project supports both infrastructure resilience and student development.
“Dr. Rahman’s research addresses challenges that directly affect the safety, reliability, and resilience of critical infrastructure while creating meaningful opportunities for student involvement and workforce development,” Wick said. “This award marks the second grant received this month by a first-year COES faculty member, reflecting the college’s continued investment in recruiting high-impact faculty and researchers by expanding its growing research enterprise.”
The funding will support graduate and undergraduate researchers at Louisiana Tech, providing hands-on experience in machine learning, reinforcement learning, explainable AI, industrial analytics, and time-series analysis. Students will contribute to software development, publications, and applied research initiatives that prepare them for careers in AI and engineering.
“In the long term, I hope this work contributes to AI systems that are more robust, transparent, and practical for engineers and operators responsible for critical infrastructure and public safety,” Rahman said.
The project also aligns with broader COES investments in artificial intelligence infrastructure, including a new AI laboratory under construction in Nethken Hall that will provide students and faculty access to 15 NVIDIA Spark workstations for research, instruction, and collaboration beginning in Fall 2026.