From AI beginner to international research presenter: LSC-University Park student showcases power of AI/ML program

HOUSTON, TX -- From learning the fundamentals of artificial intelligence to presenting original research at an international conference, Lone Star College-University Park student Paul Naeger has turned classroom learning into an impressive academic achievement.

Naeger recently presented research co-authored with his professor, Mohammed Ashour, Ph.D., at the 39^th International Conference on Computer Applications in Industry and Engineering (CAINE 2026), held Oct. 19-20 in the San Francisco area. Sponsored by the International Society for Computers and Their Applications, the conference brings together researchers and industry professionals to share advancements in computing and engineering.

Naeger enrolled in the AI and Machine Learning program, determined to prove that, at 43, it was not too late to change careers. He never imagined where that decision would take him just over a year later.

“Presenting our work at CAINE gave me confidence in my abilities and showed me that with hard work, the right education and strong mentorship, it is possible to take your life in a completely new direction,” said Naeger. “I am extremely grateful to Dr. Ashour for believing in me and to Lone Star College-University Park for giving students opportunities like this.”

Through coursework, hands-on learning and faculty mentorship, Naeger developed technical skills to pursue applied research in computer vision and machine learning.

“Watching Paul grow from someone with little experience in artificial intelligence to presenting research at an international conference has been incredibly rewarding,” said Dr. Ashour. “He put in the work to develop his skills and took on the challenge of applying what he learned to a real-world problem. His accomplishment is a great example of what students can achieve when they have the opportunity to learn, explore and collaborate.”

Their research paper, “Tomato Leaf Disease Classification: A Computer Vision and Machine Learning Approach with Handcrafted Features,” explores how computer vision and machine learning can be used to identify diseases in tomato leaves, demonstrating the potential for AI to help address real-world agricultural challenges. Accepted for presentation at CAINE 2026, the paper is slated for publication by “Springer Nature” in its Communications in Computer and Information Science series.

For Naeger, the experience marks a significant step in his transition from learning about artificial intelligence to contributing research in the field.

To learn more about LSC-University Park’s AI/ML program, visit https://www.lonestar.edu/programs-of-study/ai-machine-learning.