Research
Questions about people, AI, and learning
Six themes run through my work. Each is explored in projects that are built with students and tested in real courses and real interfaces.
01
Human–computer interaction
Usability, user experience, and the evaluation of interactive systems, from university websites to classroom tools.
Publications on this theme02
Human-centered AI
How people and AI systems work together: language models as simulated stakeholders, human–AI collaboration, and AI that supports human judgment.
Publications on this theme03
LLM-assisted usability evaluation
Testing whether large language models can find usability and accessibility problems in code and designs, and how they compare with human experts.
Publications on this theme04
AI in computing education
Teaching students to use large language models responsibly: course redesign, assessment, and evidence about how students actually use these tools.
Publications on this theme05
Cultural and inclusive design
How culture, language, and accessibility shape what good design means, from culture-oriented heuristics to cross-border privacy and security literacy.
Publications on this theme06
Educational technology
Learning tools built and tested in real courses, including a gamified SQL platform and privacy-preserving classroom analytics.
Publications on this themeFunding
Funded projects
8 internal awards for teaching and research, 2023 to 2027.
| Project | Source | Role | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Database Studio: A Project-Based Learning Model for CS 4604 | CETL PBL Advancement Grant | PI | Jul 2026 to Dec 2027 |
| AI Curriculum Grant: AI Minor Creation | CETL/TLOS | Co-PI (PI: M. Ellis) | Feb 2026 to Jun 2027 |
| From Prototype to Practice: Advancing DBWorkout for Inclusive and AI-Enhanced SQL Learning | TLOS | PI | Oct 2025 to May 2026 |
| AI Across the University: Teaching Modules for Critical Engagement | CETL Faculty Teaching Group Grant | PI | Oct 2025 to May 2026 |
| LLM-Assisted Usability Evaluation of Smart Classrooms: A Proof of Concept Using Posture and Spatial Layout Analysis | 4-VA Collaborative Research (Virginia Tech and University of Virginia) | PI | Jul 2025 to Jun 2026 |
| LLM-Ready Graduates: Preparing Students for Problem Solving in Computer Science | CETL High-Impact Project Grant | PI | Apr 2025 to May 2026 |
| Collaborative SQL Practice Tool with Gamified Engagement for Database Systems Courses | TLOS | PI | Oct 2024 to Dec 2025 |
| New Faculty Mentoring Grant | Virginia Tech New Faculty Mentoring Program | PI | Aug 2023 to Aug 2024 |