Assistant professor in CSSE one of 36 nationally to win Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award
Published: Jun 9, 2025 9:00 AM
By Joe McAdory
Pan He’s research with advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and computer vision systems has gained national acclaim.
He, an assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering (CSSE), was one of 36 researchers recognized with the 2025 Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award.
Presented by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU), the Ralph E. Powe Award provides seed funding to junior faculty from ORAU member institutions to enhance their research programs and foster interdisciplinary collaboration.
Through his collaborative research project, A Verbalized Vision-Language Model Paradigm, He is advancing the development of an intelligent infrastructure system capable of real-time decision-making for video data.
“Video surveillance is everywhere — from home security and traffic monitoring to workplace safety and crime analysis,” He said. “However, it still depends heavily on human monitoring and operation, which is costly and error-prone. Our research aims to develop AI-driven automated video surveillance systems that deliver reliable, interpretable insights — freeing human operators from monotonous monitoring and enabling them to concentrate on higher-level decision-making.”
He said winning the award reinforces his commitment to pursuing high-impact collaborative research and training the next generation of computer scientists.
“Winning the Ralph E. Powe Award also connects me to a broad community, spanning disciplines from engineering and applied science to life sciences, mathematics, computer science, physical sciences, and even areas like policy, management and education,” He said. “This opens doors to meaningful interdisciplinary collaboration.”
CSSE Chair Hari Narayanan said He’s ORAU award is a testament to his “exceptional promise as a researcher and educator, and it reflects the caliber of innovation and scholarly excellence we strive to foster in the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering.”
“Dr. He’s research exemplifies the forward-thinking and interdisciplinary approach that is essential in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape,” Narayanan said. “His work not only advances the frontiers of artificial intelligence and computer science but also holds the potential to address real-world challenges in meaningful ways.”
He was not the only Auburn University researcher recognized by ORAU. Katherine Rush, an assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry within the College of Sciences and Mathematics, also earned a Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award.
In addition to the Powe Award, He and collaborators are preparing to submit research proposals to federal agencies, including the Department of Energy, Army Research Office and National Science Foundation.
“I am inspired by the opportunity to address real-world challenges, improve lives and make meaningful contributions to society,” He said. “The possibility that my research can yield practical solutions, inspire others and pave the way for future innovations drives me to push boundaries and stay dedicated — even when facing today’s challenges that may be overlooked or only vaguely understood by the public through social media and news reports.”
Media Contact: , jem0040@auburn.edu, 334.844.3447
Through his collaborative research project, "A Verbalized Vision-Language Model Paradigm," Pan He is advancing the development of an intelligent infrastructure system capable of real-time decision-making for video data.
