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Hi, I’m Rob!

I’m a PhD Candidate in the Cognitive Science Department at UC San Diego.

I am broadly interested in improving how people interact with complex systems.

Currently, I work as a Human-AI Interaction researcher in the Design Lab, where I am advised by Dr. David Kirsh and Dr. Nadir Weibel. I’m a co-founder of the Cognitive Media Lab.

My research focuses on:

  1. Human-AI trust and collaboration in Healthcare, on Social Media, and with Autonomous Vehicles

  2. Personalization and context-aware design using mixed-method experiments and machine learning

In Summer 2023, I worked as a Research Scientist Intern (PhD) with the Human Interactive Driving and Human-Centered AI teams at Toyota Research Institute.

In Summer 2022, I worked as a UX Research Intern (PhD) at Amazon conducting early-stage research with the AWS Industry Products team, Healthcare & Life Sciences division.

Prior to my PhD, I managed a Psychiatric Neuroscience research lab at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. I also worked on design teams building technology for people with cognitive disabilities.

 

Featured Projects 

Human + AI Trust for Autonomous Vehicles (“Self-driving cars”)

Despite advancements in autonomous vehicle technology, real-world adoption is hindered by a lack of trust in vehicle decisions. We study human-vehicle trust, communication, and personalization.

Last update: 2024.

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MEditation & Brain Training + Aging

In this clinical neuroimaging study at Massachusetts General Hospital, we investigate how meditation and brain training can help promote healthy aging and prevent cognitive decline.

Last update: 2021.

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HPV Advertising Efficacy

Currently about 79 million Americans are infected with Human Papillomavirus (HPV). In collaboration with the University of Maryland, we seek to decrease this number.

Last update: 2018.

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Human + AI collaboration in radiology

AI algorithms can successfully interpret radiological images; communicating these interpretations in clear and trustworthy ways remains a huge roadblock. This project aims to bridge this gap.

Last update: 2023.

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sensai: Mental Wellness

SensAI is a mental health and wellness tool designed to make life better for neurodiverse individuals and their caregivers. It addresses struggles both internally and externally.

Last update: 2020.

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Yoga for depression + anxiety

This research study, conducted at Massachusetts General Hospital, aims to understand the differential effects of yoga and exercise on a population suffering from depression, anxiety, and high stress.

Last update: 2019.

Crowdsourcing for misinformation detection

Misinformation runs rampant on social media. In this research, we investigate how crowds can be leveraged for detection. We predict traits which impact a person’s misinformation assessment accuracy.

Last update: 2024.

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WeWander: fostering connection

WeWander is a project that addresses the loneliness of solo travel, using mobile technology to connect individuals with people, places, and things that will turn their trip into an adventure.

Last update: 2020.

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Aroma + Cognitive Performance

Can aromas affect the cognitive performance of test-takers? In 2015, I conducted a psychopharmacology experiment exploring how aromas can do just that.

Last update: 2017.

 

For more information or to get involved, please reach out!

 
 
 
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Interested in working together?

Let's connect.

““The world is but a canvas to our imagination.””
— Henry David Thoreau

Copyright © 2024 Robert Kaufman