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Rob Kaufman, PhD

Cognitive Scientist | Human-AI Interaction Researcher

I use a wide range of research and design methods to build more trustworthy, usable, and beneficial interactions with AI and AI-based systems. I completed my PhD in Cognitive Science at University of California - San Diego in 2025.

With the Design Lab and Cognitive Media Lab, I study:

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

  2. Personalization and context-aware communication 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”)

Improving human-autonomous vehicle trust, communication, and personalization using techniques ranging from simulator experiments to interview, online surveys, and analysis using machine learning.

Last update: 2025.

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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.

strategies for misinformation detection and mitigation

Assessing misinformation detection and mitigation solutions using online experiments and survey. We predict individual differences in information assessment to inform optimal solutions.

Last update: 2025.

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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.

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Human + AI collaboration in radiology

Improving trust and the explainable AI usefulness in radiology by aligning communications to human experts. Studies used a mix of online experiments, ethnography, NLP, and interview.

Last update: 2023.

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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