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AI in Higher Education: Research Areas and Projects

Illustration of a compass with the needle pointing to the word Research

Introduction

The intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and higher education has generated numerous research opportunities. Many faculty members from various colleges at the University of Phoenix (UOPX) are involved in projects exploring the applications of AI in higher education. Below are key research areas and topics, along with specific projects in AI and higher education. Most of the projects are supported by the AI Research Group. 

If you are interested in conducting research related to these topics, please contact EducationalTechnology@phoenix.edu.

 

Theme: Human and Artificial Cognition

  • Topic: Cognitive Implications of Human and AI Interactions   

    • In progress project in 2025, title and researcher(s): Exploring implications of the interaction between human and artificial cognitive systems during complex knowledge processes such as learning, sensemaking, and decision-making. Researchers: Mansureh Kebritchi, Ph.D., Stella Smith, Ph.D., David Aiken, Ken Murphy, Sherry Markle

       

Theme: AI-Enhanced Teaching and Learning

  • Topic: Doctoral research development using AI 

    Completed project in 2024:   Creativity, productivity, and large language models:  Co-creation of doctoral research questions; Research Team members: Mansureh Kebritchi, Ph.D., Andrew Beran, DBA, Alan Raveling, DCS, Yuvonne Richmond, Ph.D., Richard Schultz, Ph.D., Tony Taylor, DM/IST

    Completed project in 2023:  Exploring Educational Implications and Strategies of Using ChatGPT and other Generative AI in Online Courses at Higher Education; Research Team members: Mansureh Kebritchi, Ph.D., Stella Smith, Ph.D., Dr. Arnetra Arrington,  Aaron Kenneston, D.M., Sonja Lamppa, M.A.S., Yuvonne Richmond, Ph.D., Richard Schultz, Ph.D., Susan Ferebee, Ph.D.

 

  • Topic: Student Support 

    • In progress project in 2024 -2025:  Empowering Education: Faculty Perspectives on AI for Student Support; Research Team Members: Karen Johnson, Ed.D., Janice Terrell, Ed.D., Jean Henry, Jeniffer Doran, Anne Moody

  • Topic: Student engagement 

    • Completed project in 2024: Use of Generative AI in Maximizing Engagement in Online Higher Education; Research Team Members: Stella Smith, Ph.D. (co-lead), Melinda Kulick, Ph.D. (co-lead), Leonidas Maganares Ed.D., Jessica Sylvester, MBA

  • Topic: Student AI Skill

    • Completed project in 2024:   Identifying and Activating Student AI Skills; Researcher: Jessica Sylvester, MBA

  • Topic: Personalized Learning. Developing AI-powered systems that can tailor educational content and delivery to individual student needs and learning styles.  

    • Proposed project title and researcher(s): To be added.

  • Topic: Intelligent Tutoring Systems. Creating AI-driven tutors that can provide real-time feedback and support to students.  

    • Proposed project title and researcher(s): To be added.

  • Topic: Assessment 

    • Alternative assessment to prevent plagiarism 

      • In progress in 2025, researchers: Jaime Januse, Sushil Jindal, Steve Gregoire, Jennifer Carriere.

    • Automated Assessment: Using AI to automate grading and provide timely feedback on student work.  

      • In progress in 2025, researchers: Jesse Garza, Jami Weidmann, J.L Graff.

  • Topic: Adaptive Learning Platforms. Develop platforms that can adjust the difficulty and pace of learning based on a student's progress. 

    • Proposed project title and researcher(s): To be added.

Theme: AI for Administrative Tasks

  • Topic: Student Admissions. Using AI to streamline the admissions process and improve decision-making.  

    • Proposed project title and researcher(s): To be added.

  • Topic: Academic Advising. Leveraging AI to provide personalized academic advising and career counseling.  

    • Proposed project title and researcher(s): To be added.

  • Topic: Resource Allocation. Optimizing resource allocation in higher education institutions using AI-driven analytics.  

    • Proposed project title and researcher(s): To be added.

Theme: AI for Research and Innovation

  • Topic: Data Analysis and Visualization. Exploring AI techniques to analyze large datasets and uncover new insights.  

    • Proposed project title and researcher(s): To be added.

  • Topic: Scientific Discovery. Using AI to accelerate scientific research and discovery.  

  • Topic: AI-Powered Research Tools. Developing/identifying AI tools to assist researchers in tasks like literature review, data collection, and hypothesis generation.  

In progress in 2025, researchers: Tiffani Bateman,  Carl Beitsayadeh, Richard Schultz, Alan Ravelling, Tony Taylor, Pamayla Darbyshire

In progress in2025, title: Academic application in a literature review, researchers: Louise Underdahl, Patricia Akojie, Marlene Blake, Martine Sharp 

 

Theme: Ethical Considerations and Policy Implications

  • Topic: AI and accessibility

    • Completed project in 2024:  Exploring Perceived Equitable Access to AI by Online Higher Education Students; Research Team members: Robert King, James Traylor, Mark Guberman, Myrene Magabo, David Duren

  • Topic: AI Ethics. Exploring ethical implications of AI in higher education, such as bias, privacy, and transparency.  

    • In progress in 2025, researchers: James Traylor, Robert King, Myrene Magabo, Mark Guberman, David Duren

  • Topic: AI Policy. Developing policies and guidelines for the ethical and responsible use of AI in higher education.

    • In progress in 2025, researchers: Janice Terrell, Karen Johnson, Wendy Farr, Jennifer Doran, Anne Moody

       

Theme: AI and Various Disciplines in Higher Education 

  • Topic: Application of AI in Leadership Studies. Exploring implications of using AI tools in organizational leadership studies   
    • In progress in 2025, researchers: James Taylor, David Duren, Shawny DeBerry, Cynthia Simon
  • Topic: Application of AI in Healthcare Education. Exploring implications of using AI tools in healthcare education  

    • In progress in 2025, researchers: Thomas Sloan, Amanda Gabarda, Julie Hankins

  • Topic: Application of AI in Business Education. Exploring implications of using AI tools in business education   

    • in Progress in 2025, researchers: James Rice, Suchitra Veera, Susan Jones, Samantha Bietsch