Boo Shan Tseng (Life Sciences), Ranjani Murali (Life Sciences), and Christy Strong (Life Sciences), in collaboration with researchers at South Dakota State University and South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, were awarded a $4 million grant from the National Science Foundation. 

Through collaboration of biologists, mathematicians, statisticians and computer scientists, this research will use artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies to study small molecules binding to proteins for biotechnological uses. The goal of the research is to develop 1. novel antimicrobial agents to kill bacteria, 2. anti-biofilm strategies to reduce biofouling and 3. small-molecule inhibitors to neutralize fungal aflatoxin in crops.