Research Specimen · UT Austin

I research how AIMarginaliaApplying computational models and LLMs to understand and scale behavior-change interventions. and technologyMarginaliaDigital tools — from chatbots to mobile health apps — that mediate how people receive health information. shape human behaviorMarginaliaPatterns of action, cognition, and emotion shaped by environment, culture, and communication framing. in healthMarginaliaPhysical and mental well-being, with focus on help-seeking and culturally-embedded care patterns. and educationMarginaliaPsychologically wise learning environments that scaffold growth mindset, reduce threat, and build belonging. — designing messages that don't just reach, but resonate.

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Research Questions

How can AI-driven communication systemsDefinitionApplying computational models and LLMs to understand and scale behavior-change interventions. be designed to produce behavior change that is culturally responsiveDefinitionAdapting interventions to the values, norms, and lived experiences of specific cultural groups., psychologically safeDefinitionCreating conditions where individuals can engage without threat to identity, belonging, or self-concept., and scalable across health and educationDefinitionPsychologically wise learning environments that scaffold growth mindset, reduce threat, and build belonging. contexts?

Computation

How do computational models and LLMs help identify mechanisms of persuasion and self-persuasion at scale?

Digital Mediation

How do digital tools (chatbots, mobile health apps) mediate how people receive, interpret, and act on health information?

Cultural Context

How do cultural contexts shape cognition, emotion, and action in response to framed messages?

Wise Interventions

How can psychologically wise learning environments reduce threat and build belonging in AI-supported education?