Artificial Intelligence, Race & Evaluation Lab
Constraint-first methodology centering humans and culture in learning, measurement, and intervention.
disrupting inequalities * designing change
College of Education, Health & Human Sciences
To develop constraint-first methodology — centering humans and culture in the design and evaluation of learning, measurement, and intervention.
Our work spans AI in education, culturally responsive evaluation, and research with displaced communities. Grounded in ethics, compassion, and justice.
Three interconnected research programs examining how AI and evaluation can serve human flourishing, from classrooms in Tennessee to refugee camps in Bangladesh.
Examines the future of learning and labor markets in the United States and Bangladesh. Integrates generative AI into critical pedagogy, building AI literacy, critical thinking, and agency for learners from middle school through graduate programs, with a focus on communities historically left behind.
Investigates employment barriers and livelihood pathways among Rohingya fathers living in refugee camps. The project combines economic analysis with community ethnography to inform durable, dignified policy solutions.
Principal Investigators
Fatima Zahra · Jere Behrman · Nglula Fleurant
Examines the links between climate phenomena, air quality, natural disasters, and rising temperatures, and child development outcomes in vulnerable regions across the Global South, informing climate-adaptive social programs.
Collaboration
University of Pennsylvania
A cross-disciplinary group of faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and students united by a commitment to equity-driven, human-centered research.
Founder & Principal Investigator
Assistant Professor, Evaluation, Statistics & Research Methodology
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Dr. Zahra holds a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies in Human Development from the University of Pennsylvania. Beyond tackling inequalities, she finds balance in boxing, meditation, music, and poetry.
Research: Culturally responsive evaluation; AI in education; future of learning and labor markets; sustainable development
Postdoctoral Researcher
AIRELab, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Ph.D. Student
Learning Design & Technology
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Alumna: Johns Hopkins University
Research: STEM education, equity in learning environments
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Computer Science
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
An aspiring AI innovator building technologies that improve lives -- from autonomous systems to educational platforms for underserved students. Committed to making AI accessible and ethical.
Research: AGI, RAG models, AI in education
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Data Science with Minor in Computer Science
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
An undergraduate at UTK applying predictive data analysis and machine learning to real-world societal issues, with a focus on AI's impact on education and early career pathways.
Research: Machine learning, AI in education and labor markets
High School Research Assistant
Rising Senior, Ravenwood High School
Research interests: Economics and artificial intelligence
Research Affiliate
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Research Affiliate
Assistant Professor, School of Information Sciences
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Dr. He earned his Ph.D. in Information Studies from Drexel University. His research spans science of science, human-AI interaction, and visual analytics. He enjoys yoga, hiking, and weightlifting.
Research: Science of science; human-AI interaction; visual analytics; AI impacts on knowledge creation
Research Affiliate
Assistant Professor, School of Information Sciences
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Dr. Chidziwisano designs sensing and AI technologies for resource-constrained areas. A former postdoctoral fellow at Carnegie Mellon's HCII, he earned his Ph.D. from Michigan State University.
Research: Sensing and AI for resource-constrained contexts; human-centered design; HCI
Affiliate
Instructor, Center for Technology and Management Education
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
Ph.D. Molecular Neuroscience, Caltech
Impact areas: Human development, behavioral science, STEM leadership, public engagement
Affiliate
Associate Professor, STEM Education
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Dr. Harper is a critical community-engaged scholar whose research examines how formal and informal education can promote equity in STEM, particularly in PreK-9 mathematics and early computing education.
Research: Equity-driven STEM education; school-family-community partnerships; children's identity in STEM
March 2025
AIRELab's "Critical Thinking with Generative AI" project has been recognized with the prestigious AAAI/ACM SIGAI Innovative AI Education Award. The project, led by Dr. Fatima T. Zahra and collaborators, integrates generative AI into critical pedagogy across multiple learning levels, from middle school through graduate education, in the United States and Bangladesh.
AAAI/ACM SIGAI AwardPhotos, videos, and press coverage from the lab.
Coming soon
Daughters, sons, and the future of learning in the Rohingya camps: What do fathers really think and aspire for?Under Review
The Evaluation Vacuum: A Qualitative Needs Evaluation of AI Workforce Capability Development in BangladeshUnder Review
Interested in collaboration, joining the lab, or learning more about our work? We'd love to hear from you.
527 Bailey Education Complex
1126 Volunteer Blvd
Knoxville, TN 37996
We welcome motivated students, researchers, and practitioners who are passionate about equity, AI, and social change. Graduate students, undergraduates, and visiting scholars are encouraged to reach out.
Express Interest →Abstract
