People

Who are the people working in the lab?

Current Student Fellows

• Connor McLean
  • Who am I?:  I am a Junior studying Computer Science and Business Management. I'm from Colorado so I love almost all the classic outdoor activities, though I am not much of a skier. I liked the idea of AI, specifically generative LLMs, and decided to pursue a complete computer science degree to support that interest, which captures my all-in approach to learning. I'm just excited to be here!
  • Why did I want to work in the AI Lab?: AI has been adopted at an unprecedented rate. Watching those around me rapidly progress from treating it as a novelty to relying on it to pass their classes and do their coursework made me curious: What is actually happening when you use generative AI? In addition to the actual math and programming behind it, I am interested in learning about the impact it has on myself and my peers, the reliability of the information it provides, and the potential risks and rewards of the world's newfound commitment to AI.

Past Student Fellows

• Danie Huelva
  • Who am I?:I am a graduating Senior studying Computer Science. After graduation I am thinking of pursuing a career around AI. Outside of school, I enjoy socializing and playing board games with friends, as well as maintaining an active lifestyle through weightlifting. 
  • Why did I want to work in the AI Lab?:I didn’t really grow up as a techy person. I owned my first ever laptop freshman year of college and did not know coding at all, as I was about to start my computer science degree. Despite that, I’ve always been drawn to math and how it can be applied to the real world. I am pursuing computer science with a focus on AI as it fascinates me how these models operate on aspects of human intelligence, all grounded in mathematical principle. 
• Rana Teheri
  • Who am I?: I am a Ph.D. student in Curriculum and Instruction at Montana State University. My research focuses on AI in education, digital and AI literacy, and faculty and student use of AI in higher education. I enjoy exploring how emerging technologies can support teaching and learning in ethical and meaningful ways. Outside of work, I love hiking, camping, skiing, traveling, doing puzzles, and spending time in nature—one of the many reasons I enjoy living in Montana. 
  • Why did I want to work in the AI Lab?: I wanted to work in the AI Lab because it combines my interests in education, AI, and ethical technology use. This summer, I’m researching ways to help MSU implement AI responsibly, design assignments that promote effective human-AI collaboration, and develop resources to support faculty as they integrate AI into their teaching. I am also collaborating with colleagues to design an AI module for faculty that supports thoughtful, ethical, and effective use of AI in higher education. One of the most rewarding parts of this work is the opportunity to put my research into practice. After spending the past few years studying AI in education, I’m excited to apply what I have learned through my research to help design a course that supports faculty in using AI effectively and responsibly in their teaching.

Ambassadors

• Jason Clark - Machine Learning Librarian, Head of Research Programs - Interdisciplinary Institute on Artificial Intelligence
• James Espeland - Computer Software Engineer
• Ben Hager - Systems Administrator/Computer Systems Analyst
• Nathan Lee - Data Technologist
• Sara Mannheimer - Data Librarian, Head of Research Optimization, Analytics, and Data Services
• Taylor Moorman - Instructional Technology Librarian
• Jakob Schultz - Computer Software Engineer