Shruti Bhandari, a 2026 graduate of Arkansas Tech University, won two best presenter awards at the 2026 Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) World Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things Congress May 20-22 in Seattle, Wash.
Bhandari earned recognition for her research projects entitled “Multimodal Neuromorphic Computing for Cancer Diagnosis: Architecture, Clinical Fusion and Energy Analysis” and “The Advanced Health Risk Predictor: Ensemble Machine Learning System for Multi-Disease Clinical Decision Support.”
Through her research, Bhandari has explored ways in which artificial intelligence can enhance patient care by utilizing emerging technologies. Her work has potential implications in disease prediction, clinical decision support and cancer diagnostics.
A native of Dharan, Nepal, Bhandari had a total of four papers accepted to the conference and was first author on three of the accepted publications.
Bhandari’s attendance at the conference was made possible through support from the Arkansas IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) Travel Awards program, which provided a $2,939 grant to assist with travel and conference expenses.
“Winning two best presenter awards at the IEEE World Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things Congress in Seattle meant a lot to me,” said Bhandari. “I was already grateful to have four papers accepted, but presenting two of them and receiving recognition for both was incredibly special. It felt like a reminder that the long hours, challenges and hard work behind the research were worth it.
“My time at Arkansas Tech has changed me in many ways,” continued Bhandari. “I came here wanting to learn and succeed, but I am leaving with so much more than that. ATU has helped me build confidence, resilience and a stronger belief in myself. Through research, classes, internships, leadership roles and presentations, I have been pushed outside my comfort zone many times, and each experience helped me grow. This journey has shaped me into a stronger student, researcher and person. I am thankful for everything ATU has given me and excited for what comes next.”
Bhandari received the 2026 ATU graduate student of the year award and was named to Who’s Who at Arkansas Tech for 2026. She completed her Master of Science degree in information technology from Arkansas Tech in May and plans on pursuing a career in data science and machine learning relative to health-related applications.
“Shruti’s success demonstrates the extraordinary talent and dedication of our students,” said Dr. Michael Bradley, dean of the ATU Graduate College. “Presenting research at an international conference is an achievement in itself. To have four papers accepted and earn best presenter awards for both presentations speaks to the quality of her work, her professionalism and the impact her research may have on the future of health care technologies.”
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