Rafaat Zaini, Assistant Professor, Integrated Sciences and Technology, CISE

Research Topics: Examining why complex human and technological systems behave the way they do. I build simulation models to support better decision-making, organizational design, team dynamics, and learning under conditions of uncertainty and change.

Current Research Expertise and Interests: 

• Human-centered and ethical augmentation—how generative AI can help people surface mental models, make systems thinking more accessible, and support responsible, transparent use of technology

• System dynamics modeling, causal loop diagrams, reference mode elicitation, participatory modeling, immersive visualization, and custom GPT-based workflows designed for accessibility and ethical use

Research Questions and Collaborations Interests:

• How can AI help learners and institutions reason better about complex, emerging technologies?

• How do we design models and learning environments that foreground inclusion, ethics, and long-term consequences?

• And how can systems thinking prepare society for technologies such as space and quantum before their impacts fully unfold?

• I collaborate across education, computer science, ethics, policy, accessibility, and organizational research.

• I am seeking partners with expertise in emerging technologies, accessibility, human-centered AI, immersive environments, and ethics, especially those interested in using emerging technologies as platforms for integrative learning and responsible innovation

Mesude Bayrakci-Boz, Assistant Professor, Integrated Science and Technology, CISE

Research Topics: Solar Energy, Electric Vehicles and Energy Storage, Energy Education, the Electricity System Prices, Security, Market Design, Energy Security, Grid Resilience

Current Research Expertise and Interests: 

• AI, Data Centers, Designing AI-Compatible Electricity Markets

• Wind/Hybrid/Microgrid Feasibility Study for VDOT Assets

• Waste Valorization and Recycling of Solar Panels for Construction Materials

Research Questions and Collaborations Interests: 

• How does AI-driven data center growth reshape electricity prices, grid risk, and market design?

• Can market design reduce price and grid impacts without limiting AI growth?

• I welcome collaboration across energy economics, grid engineering, policy, and AI systems.

Mesude Bayrakci-Boz, Professor and Academic Unit Head, Graduate Psychology, CHBS

Research Topics: Student Partnership in Education and Training, Integrated Primary and Behavioral Healthcare, and Rural Healthcare

Current Research Expertise and Interests: 

• Intersection of technology and humanity, focusing on how to design and govern AI systems that keep people meaningfully “in the loop” while ensuring AI remains aligned with human values, human expertise, and human-centered social outcomes.

• Engaged in a couple of small research projects around AI simulations as stats training tools and also the use of AI in the journal article review process

• Working in our department on a prompt "library" for developing and developed prompts.

Research Questions and Collaborations Interests: 

• How do human-centered AI systems affect workload, burnout, and perceived emotional labor within academic or clinical settings?

• How do faculty perceptions of AI’s role in learning influence whether they integrate it as a partner, a tool, or a threat in their pedagogy?

• How can AI be designed or deployed in ways that enhance metacognition, reflection, and self-regulated learning rather than short-circuiting them?

• What competencies do higher-education students need to develop to thrive in AI-augmented professional environments, and how should those be taught?

• How can explainable AI tools be used to help faculty understand student learning patterns without diminishing professional judgment or academic freedom?

• What socio-technical conditions (training, leadership, workload, incentives) influence whether faculty use AI to enhance creativity and critical thinking versus simply automate tasks?

• Collaboration with Any Discipline is Possible

• Would like to see a research team that is scaffolded with more advanced users and more novel implementors of AI.

Sandhya (Sandy) Manjunath, Assistant Professor, Hart School, College of Business

Research Topics: Professionalism in Sport Management, Sport for development and Pedagogy in developing countries, International Sports and Olympic Studies, Mega Sports Events & Facility Management, Experiential Learning & Work-Based Learning in Pedagogy, Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Sport Management

Current Research Expertise and Interests: 

Key areas of focus within AI

• Integrating artificial intelligence tools to redefine engagement and critical thinking in sport management higher education.

• Artificial intelligence in sport management education: Trends, methods, and impact on workforce.

Ongoing projects

• FIFA – Host Residents’ pre-event perceptions of urban, economic, environmental, and social impacts on their quality of life.

• Source of competencies and knowledge among sport industry professionals.

Relevant tools, datasets, or methodologies

• Halpern Critical Thinking Assessment

• Mixed Method Research Methodologies

Research Questions and Collaborations Interests: 

• Experimental design comparing a control group and an AI-integrated instructional intervention focusing on Passive acquisition of AI literacy.

• Potential interdisciplinary collaborations in computer science and information technology to develop and implement a live project in the Communities in 2 different countries.

• Looking for partners: Expertise in Software Application Development and Mentors for students developing applications and software.

Yiran (Kevin) Liu, Assistant Professor, Hart School, College of Business

Member of cluster