Khoury Research at Northeastern Silicon Valley
Spark curiosity, fuel transformation, push limits
At Northeastern Silicon Valley, research provides the opportunity to innovate, collaborate, and make a real-world impact. Whether you’re developing AI solutions, optimizing cloud systems, or exploring human-computer interaction, you’ll find an interdisciplinary community, expert mentorship, and resources to turn your ideas into meaningful contributions.
Why pursue research at Northeastern Silicon Valley?
Northeastern’s Silicon Valley campus combines the university’s distinctive experiential learning model with access to one of the world’s most dynamic technology hubs. Our research culture empowers students not only to apply knowledge and collaborate across disciplines, but also to tackle real-world challenges.
Applied AI and emerging technologies
Students engage in cutting-edge research spanning artificial intelligence, machine learning, cloud computing, natural language processing, data science, and health care applications.
Recent projects include:
- NUGPT: An AI-powered chatbot supporting Northeastern students with campus resources
- GPU optimization: Research focused on enhancing distributed cloud system performance
- Predictive healthcare tool: Leveraging machine learning to assist with early disease detection
- YOLO-KAN: Exploring neural network architectures for real-time object detection
Collaboration across fields
The university fosters interdisciplinary work within computer science, applying technical innovation to practical challenges in healthcare, education, enterprise software, and beyond.
Recent projects include:
- MRI femur segmentation: Applying deep learning to medical imaging analysis
- Adaptive NLP for sentiment analysis: Utilizing DeBERTaV3 for fine-grained sentiment classification
- SQL sensei: An AI-powered educational platform supporting SQL learning through LLM-generated feedback
Projects with lasting impact
Through applied projects, students translate classroom learning into meaningful, industry-relevant outcomes. Research showcases and capstone projects provide opportunities to address real-world problems with direct societal and industry impact.
Multiple ways to make your mark
Whatever your research goals — getting a PhD, aiming to stand out in tech, or simply curious about pushing the boundaries of CS — our campus provides the platform and community to turn those ambitions into reality. Explore the opportunities below to get involved and make your mark:
Capstone projects: Put your knowledge into action
Capstone projects are a cornerstone of Northeastern University and Khoury College experiential learning. Over 15 weeks, you’ll work in small teams to solve industry-relevant challenges, dedicating 20-plus hours per week to applied research. Guided by faculty and industry mentors, you’ll conduct literature reviews, design experiments, analyze results, and propose future directions — mirroring the rigor of professional research roles.
Depending on your program of study, a Capstone project may be one of the ways you apply your knowledge to real-world problems. Capstone projects are available to students in select master’s programs like Computer Science (MSCS), Data Science (MSDS), and Artificial Intelligence (MSAI). Not every program requires a capstone, so your academic advisor can help you determine if this option fits into your degree plan and guide you through enrollment and project selection.
Recent capstone topics include:
- Machine learning and AI: Predictive models for healthcare and finance
- Natural language processing: Advanced chatbots and sentiment analysis
- Cloud computing: Optimizing distributed systems
- Human-computer interaction: Designing intuitive interfaces
Thesis or independent research: Chart your own path
Students seeking deeper exploration can pursue a thesis or directed research project in place of an elective. Under the guidance of a faculty advisor, you’ll dive into a specialized topic, produce publishable work, and strengthen your academic or industry profile.
Reach out to faculty early to align your ideas and secure a mentor.
Ready to dive in? Contact your academic advisor, visit the NEURAI Lab, or reach out to our Community Ambassadors to start your research journey today.
Labs and SIGs: Collaborate with your peer
Our labs and special interest groups (SIGs) are hubs of innovation where you can explore emerging technologies, work with your peers, and build hands-on skills. These groups are perfect for sparking ideas and gaining research experience in a supportive, creative environment.
Interested in start your own SIG? Pitch your idea, rally a few classmates, and tap into Khoury College’s resources to bring your vision to life.
Northeastern’s Research in AI – NEURAI Lab
The NEURAI Lab, mentored by Ilmi Yoon and Nadim Saad, is a vibrant SIG focused on AI-driven innovation. Members explore the future of artificial intelligence by collaborating across computer science, finance, law, and healthcare to solve real-world challenges using cutting-edge techniques in reinforcement learning, explainable AI, and advanced LLMs.
Algorithm Interactive Gaming Lab – NU AIG
Who said learning algorithms had to be boring? Our lab makes education an adventure! We’re building the “Dungeon of Algorithms,” a game designed to make complex concepts fun, visual, and accessible for everyone.
Knowledge Discovery Lab
Push the boundaries of what’s possible in machine learning and artificial intelligence. We’re building next-generation technologies, deepen understanding across domains, and building systems that understand and interpret information. Join a vibrant research environment where your ideas take flight.
MIG Lab
From revolutionizing medical imaging with AI-powered diagnostics to creating automated tools that make computer science education more effective and accessible, the MIG Lab builds intelligent systems that solve real-world challenges. We create practical solutions that empower professionals and inspire learners.