Jackson State graduate student and RITA research assistant Brandon Newton, currently pursuing a Master of Science in Computer Science with a concentration in artificial intelligence, has been named a 2025-2026 IBM Master’s Fellow. This nationally competitive recognition highlights academic achievement, research excellence, and leadership potential in advanced technology fields.
Through the fellowship, Newton will receive a $10,000 stipend and mentorship from industry leaders, supporting his research at the intersection of artificial intelligence and medical robotics. His work focuses on developing AI guided robotic systems capable of performing highly precise surgical procedures. This area carries significant implications for both healthcare innovation and autonomous system design.
Newton’s research explores how intelligent systems can enhance precision, adaptability, and decision making in complex environments. By building robotic arms using open source platforms and training AI models to guide surgical tools, his work contributes to broader advancements in human machine teaming and autonomous system performance. These are core areas of focus for RITA.
His academic path reflects a multidisciplinary approach to innovation. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Jackson State, Newton pursued medical training before transitioning into research in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine at Rutgers University. This experience ultimately led him to artificial intelligence, where he aims to scale impact through technology driven solutions.
“I realized I could potentially reach more people through innovation and technology than through individual patient care,” Newton said.
Now back at Jackson State, his work represents a growing pipeline of talent advancing AI enabled systems with real world applications. His selection as an IBM Master’s Fellow highlights the strength of research emerging from RITA partner institutions and reinforces the institute’s commitment to developing the next generation of innovators.
Photo by Mia M. Johnson/Jackson State University
