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Jan 2026 – Present
Undergraduate Research Assistant (Co-Author)
Socially Responsible Tech Lab
What I Do
- ▸Conducting qualitative research under Dr. Ari Schlesinger studying how AI companions impact interpersonal relationships
- ▸Expanded participant pool from 5 to 12 subjects through a multi-channel recruitment strategy including digital outreach and a new academic credit incentive
- ▸Designing and leading 6+ in-depth interviews applying CITI training and maintaining 100% IRB compliance throughout
- ▸Co-authoring findings as part of an ongoing published research paper
Reflection
This role pushed me to think about AI not just as a builder, but as a researcher asking harder questions. What does it mean when people form emotional bonds with chatbots? I also learned how to interview people properly to gain insighths while keeping in mind ethical concerns.