My research centers around the confluence of human and artificial intelligence, and I am interested in computational problems that are too complex for an algorithm to solve alone, but that can be cracked when Human Intelligence and Artificial Intelligence work as a team. I am looking for motivated students to help tackle two major challenges. You can customize your project to fit your passion, whether that’s building systems, data science, securing software systems, or something else not mentioned here. Current projects include:
Project Track 1: CABPortal
CABPortal is a web-based platform that encourages and inspires faculty to find collaborators from different disciplines and design course-based interdisciplinary projects to engage students more deeply in learning course concepts. It also studies how groups of people collaborate across different fields to solve massive problems and how great ideas spread. Students explore various types of algorithms, including machine learning, recommendation and visualization, and apply them in CABPortal.
Example of Data Science Angle: Analyze how project ideas “go viral” within professional networks or use machine learning to predict which collaborations will be successful.
Example of Cybersecurity Angle: Explore how to keep these collaborative platforms safe from “bad actors” or misinformation that could derail a project.
Project Track 2: AI & The Future of Software Engineering
We are exploring how Large Language Models and generative AI are changing the way software is built. It’s not just about writing code; it’s about understanding the risks and rewards of “AI-assisted” software engineering.
Examples of Data Science Angle: Benchmark the performance of different LLMs. How accurate is the code they generate? Can we visualize the patterns in the errors they make?
Examples of Cybersecurity Angle: This is huge right now. Can AI be tricked into writing “vulnerable” code? How do we stop “prompt injection” attacks in software tools? Can we use AI to find bugs before a hacker does?
Make it Your Own: These projects are flexible! Whether you want to focus on Data Science, Cybersecurity, System Design or something else not mentioned here, we can work together to design a project that meets your degree requirements and gets you excited about your future career. I also encourage you to “shadow” any of these project tracks if you just want to dip your toe into these topics to learn more.
Background needed:
Curiosity, and a desire to learn and explore new areas within Computer Science and other disciplines.
To shadow my research (CSC 298) no prior experience is needed, so students can start as early as their first semester at TCNJ. This is typically taken in the first or second years, for 0.25 or 0.5 units in a semester.
To take CSC 498 as a CS Option or free elective, CS Introductory Core (CSC 220, 230 and 270) and at least two 300-level CS courses. This is typically taken in the junior or senior years. You may choose to complete 1 course unit in one semester or over two consecutive semesters (0.5 in each semester OR 0.25 in the 1st semester and 0.75 in the 2nd semester).
To take CSC 498 for CS Capstone, CSC 415 (Software Engineering) and at least two 300-level CS courses. Any of the following would be a plus: CSC 315 (Database Systems), CSC 335 (Algorithms), CSC 360 (Networks). This is typically taken in the junior or senior years. You may choose to complete 1 course unit in one semester or over two consecutive semesters (0.5 in each semester OR 0.25 in the 1st semester and 0.75 in the 2nd semester).
Process:
* Meet with me so we can talk about the project, your interests, work involved, roles and responsibilities.
* Once the project description is finalized, complete the official School of Science Independent Research Qualtrics form.
* Upon submission, the form will be routed to me for review and approval.
* After I approve the form, you will receive notification with instruction to add yourself to the waitlist for CSC 498-02 in PAWS.
* The Department will move you into the course section from the waitlist.
Email me if you have any questions.