Research in my lab seeks to develop educational technologies that are as compelling and engaging as the very best social media apps, video games or movies. Like our most dedicated educators, I would like our technology to captivate learners, young and old, and help cultivate attitudes towards learning and growth that are compatible with the demands of the modern world. In pursuit of these goals, I conduct research on the design, use, and impacts of intelligent technologies for learning and behavior change. This work involves blending techniques from the entertainment industry (that foster engagement) with those from artificial intelligence and intelligent tutoring systems (that promote learning), as well as running studies to better understand whether and how the resulting learning experiences impact learners.

Research in my lab explores the application of AI and entertainment technologies to improve learning experiences with technology. This work primarily involves informal learning and investigation of the relationship between cognitive, affective, and motivational variables relevant to learning.

I teach graduate and upper-level undergraduate courses on educational technologies, AI, informal learning, and design. My courses blend psychological and educational theories with emerging technological developments, and seek to help students adopt an interdisciplinary stance on educational technology.