About The Lab | The Team

The TRAILblazer lab is a group of scholars and students who love to think about AI and simulation-based approaches for teaching and learning. We build systems and software to amplify learning, while conducting applied research on how people learn and teach with these transformative technologies.

We focus our research in three areas:

1. Advancing learning theory through AI- and simulation-based system and software design. We seek to advance theories about how humans can learn better with AI systems, as well as when AI should not be used in the learning process. To do this research, we design artificial intelligence-based systems that play a supportive role in the learning process. In all our activities, we are committed to centering humans in the learning process and amplifiying thinking. Our designs are intended to be transparent, verifiable, and explainable so that we know exactly what AI and simulations are doing, how they get their information, how they make decisions, and how they remain fair and safe for all participants. We research neuro-symbolic AI architectures that constrain AI reasoning to align with education, psychology, and cognitive sciences research on how people learn, think, and interact. Additionally, we conduct research in computational knowledge modeling to help us mirror how humans think and interact with computing systems so that AI can better align with human activity (and not the other way around).
2. Professional development and workplace learning about AI and computing. We conduct research to expand our understanding of theories of adult and professional learning about technology and AI to equip professionals to use AI and emerging technologies effectively in the post-AI age, including teachers and college faculty. We also regularly conduct workshops, programming, and courses for professional learning and continuing education about AI and emerging technologies.
3. AI and emerging technology policy, ethics, and safety. As technology researchers, we participate in public conversations on the responsible use and adoption of AI in education and society. While conducting our other research, we also investigate the policy implications for emerging technologies on safety and risk mitigation, accessibility, data and privacy, cybersecurity, and fairness of systems.

We have several projects that we are currently working on! We also publish papers and conference presentations on our research, as well as develop software for teaching and learning with AI and the educational/social sciences research community.

Our projects have been funded by the Institute of Education Sciences, National AI Research Resource (NAIRR) Pilot, Google, Institute of Government and Public Affairs, OpenAI, and CME Group Foundation.

We are regularly seeking undergraduate and graduate assistants and interns to join the lab who are interested in educational technology development, AI, games and simulations, or technology policy. More information for undergraduates can be found at the UIC Undergraduate Research Experience page. Undergraduate students are eligible for the Chancellor’s Undergraduate Research Award, and credit can be earned for research work.

Interested doctoral students should email Dr. Riel directly to discuss the TRAILblazer lab, our research, and your goals.