Student From Marlborough Awarded Clark University AI Innovation Grant

MARLBOROUGH, MA — A student from Marlborough is among eight recipients of Clark University's inaugural AI Innovation Grants.

Lauren Gallagher, who is currently a senior majoring in interactive media, was awarded a grant for a project labeled, "Intelligent NPCs: Exploring Generative AI for Adaptive Character Design in Game Development."

This project, "builds on Gallagher's current MFA research in interactive media and game design, where she has been developing an Unreal Engine prototype that connects to Ollama, a local language model, and has discovered the transformative potential of generative AI in interactive storytelling to change the way players connect with virtual characters," according to its description.

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The grants were given to undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and staff from Clark. The selection committee reviewed 59 grant applications, but chose eight.

It is supported by the Clark AI Innovation Fund, established with a $50,000 gift from the Yee Family, including Trustee Brian Yee '93.

Bachu and other awardees must complete their work by August 2026 and share it with the university community.

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