Chad’s work involves the application of artificial intelligence to educational problems, with emphasis on entertainment technologies and informal learning. He received his PhD in Computer Science from the University of Pittsburgh in 2004 where he did his doctoral research (on problem solving) at the Learning Research and Development Center (LRDC). Before joining the faculty at UIUC, Chad was research scientist and Director of Learning Sciences Research at the University of Southern California’s Institute for Creative Technologies.
Broadly, his research involves the application of intelligent technologies to enhance engagement with STEM content in informal contexts. This work involves blending techniques from the entertainment industry (that foster engagement) with those from artificial intelligence and intelligent tutoring systems (that promote learning), as well as running studies to better understand whether and how the resulting learning experiences impact learners. Outside of research (but sometimes intersecting it as well), Chad is a lifelong golfer, video game player, and diehard fan of the Simpsons.