Clarkson University Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Dr. Masudul Imtiaz, has been awarded a $200k grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Division of Electrical, Communications and Cyber Systems (ECCS). This funding supports a two-year Engineering Research Initiation (ERI) project titled “Advancing Biometric Identification for Younger Children through Age-Adaptive Technology Innovations,” which will run from July 2025 to June 2027.
Globally, over one billion people—many of whom are children—lack formal identification, significantly impacting their safety, healthcare, and quality of life. Dr. Imtiaz’s project specifically addresses this challenge by developing innovative sensors and biometric identification technologies tailored to infants and toddlers (ages 0–4). These technologies will reliably capture and authenticate biometric traits such as fingerprints, facial features, and iris patterns, adapting dynamically as children grow. Dr. Stephanie Schuckers, the Director of NSF’s Center for Identification Technology Research (CITeR), will serve as the evaluator of this project.
“This project represents a significant advancement in biometric security and child welfare,” said Imtiaz. “Our goal is to introduce new sensor systems and create reliable, secure solutions that ensure accurate identification and enhance the safety and well-being of young children, while also providing valuable insights into the maturation of biometric traits.”
The project combines cutting-edge research with educational initiatives. Undergraduate students will actively participate in biometric system development, and outreach events at local schools and children’s museums will introduce families to STEM concepts and the importance of child-centric biometric security.
Imtiaz will collaborate closely with CITeR, industry, government, healthcare providers, and educational organizations to ensure the developed technologies meet real-world needs while maintaining strict privacy standards. He expresses gratitude to Dr. Stephanie Schuckers, Dr. Paul McGrath, Dr. Abul Khondker, CITeR, and the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering for their continual support of his child-centric technology research.
Clarkson University also appreciates the Sponsored Research Services (SRS) and collaborators who supported this successful proposal submission.
