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University Closed in Honor of Indigenous Peoples' Day, Monday, Oct. 12

The university is closed on Monday, Oct. 12, in honor of Indigenous Peoples' Day. Classes are canceled, and all administrative offices are closed. We will reopen on Tuesday, Oct. 13.

Student Research on AI and Robotics

Funded and Supported by the NSF

Showcasing Student Research on AI and Robotics

National Science Foundation (NSF) logo with white "NSF" letters over a blue globe, backed by a gold gear.

Our students across UDC schools and colleges are currently working on their research in areas of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. The students' faculty mentors are Dr. Anshu Arora and Dr. Amit Arora, and their research is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF).

Shannen Graham — BBA

Shannen GrahamRobot Deception and the Law: A Comparative Study of Ethical and Legal Responses in the UK, US and China

As robots move from factory settings into everyday social and commercial life, the issue of robotic deception when robots create false beliefs on purpose has become an important ethical and legal problem. Shannen’s research compares how the United States, the United Kingdom and China are dealing with this challenge (Park et al., 2025; Lumen, 2025; Novaes & Ferraz, 2026).

Joselyn Bercian — BBA

Joselyn BercianDiverging Artificial Intelligence (AI) Governance Pathways: An Example of Healthcare AI Regulation in the United States, United Kingdom and European Union


Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance frameworks across the United States, European Union and United Kingdom represent contrasting approaches that reflect deeper social, legal and regulatory traditions in each region. Joselyn’s research uses healthcare AI regulation as an example to illustrate how these global AI governance philosophies translate into concrete, high-stakes oversight of AI-driven diagnostic and treatment applications across the United States, United Kingdom and European Union.

Muano Nevhudzholi — MBA

Muano Nevhudzholi If they Can, Why Can’t We? Comparing the United States’ and European Union’s Approaches to Artificial Intelligence Governance and Regulation


Muano's research will explore the different approaches to artificial intelligence (AI) governance and regulation in the United States (US) and the European Union (EU). The EU has taken a proactive stance with the comprehensive AI Act. In contrast, the US has adopted a more decentralized, sector-specific approach to AI regulation. We analyze the implications of these divergent strategies for ethical AI development and international competitiveness by exploring how the EU’s regulations may influence global norms, potentially impacting US companies operating in the European markets.

Ignacio Pericet Navarro — BBA

Ignacio Pericet NavarroThe Role of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Criteria in Portfolio Management: Developing a Multi-Objective Optimization Framework with Advanced Diversification Techniques

Ignacio's research focuses on integrating Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) considerations into portfolio management. His research introduces a multi-objective optimization framework designed to extract alpha while balancing financial performance and societal impact. Utilizing Upright's forward-looking ESG impact scoring, the study advances beyond traditional ESG methodologies by incorporating science-based net impact data to evaluate environmental, societal, governance and financial dimensions.

Tamaya Edwards — BS, Information Technology

Tamaya EdwardsEmotional Artificial Intelligence in Customer Service: Can AI Truly Replace Human Empathy?

Tamaya's research focuses on how artificial intelligence (AI) continues to surpass expectations, taking over jobs by mechanizing tasks and substituting roles that would traditionally be performed by humans. The question of how far AI can go to replace human capabilities arises daily. While we are witnessing AI successfully replicating the physical ability of humans in various fields, the real question lies in the possibility of it emulating the emotional aspect of humans.

Nicholas Brown — BBA

Nicholas BrownEnhancing Agricultural Efficiency and Safety: The Synergy of AI, Robotics, and Human-Centered Smart Farming

Nick's research focuses on how the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics is transforming agriculture, ushering in a new era of smart farming that prioritizes efficiency, precision and safety. His research examines the evolving role of AI-driven robotics in optimizing key agricultural processes, including crop cultivation, pest management, soil monitoring and resource allocation.

Janel Baxter — BS, Civil Engineering and Logistics and International Trade

Janel BaxterArtificial Intelligence Policy in Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS) across the United States, China and the European Union

Janel's research explores the artificial intelligence (AI) policy and regulatory landscape surrounding Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS) in the United States, China and the European Union, emphasizing the critical challenges of explainability and traceability. We aim to uncover how these influential world regions navigate the complex interplay of regulations, ethical problems and strategic considerations that come with developing and deploying LAWS. By comparing their policies, we reveal the complex challenges of establishing international norms for autonomous weapons.

Nkechi Lucy Iweriebor — AAS, Respiratory Therapy

Nkechi Lucy IwerieborSocial Robotics and Human-Robot Interaction in Healthcare

Lucy's research focuses on how social robotics and human-robot interaction (HRI) impact healthcare, improving patient outcomes and experiences. Current research trends inform the development of innovative social robotics and enhance human-robot interaction quality in healthcare. Healthcare robotics research have delved into robot types, benefits, challenges, robot acceptance and ethical considerations in healthcare.

Luisa Saboia — MBA

Luisa SaboiaHuman-Centric Versus State-Driven: A Comparative Analysis of the European Union's and China's Artificial Intelligence Governance Using Risk Management Framework

Luisa's research examines the contrasting artificial intelligence (AI) governance strategies of the European Union (EU) and China, focusing on the dichotomy between human-centric and state-driven policies. It has been accepted for publication in the esteemed International Journal of Intelligent Information Technologies. This journal is an ABDC-ranked journal and is on the AACSB-approved list.

Arlene Marshall — BBA, Management with Marketing and LIT Analytics Concentrations

Arlene MarshallVirtuous Integrative Social Robotics for Ethical Governance

Arlene's research conceptualizes Virtuous Integrative Social Robotics (VISR) as a value-driven philosophy for developing and designing social robots and robotic applications. It encompasses shared ethical principles highlighted as autonomy, responsibility, and transparency (ART) for social robotics in the VISR context. It has been accepted for publication in the esteemed Discover Artificial Intelligence Journal by Springer Nature, UK. This journal is a significant journal in the area of AI, Robotics and Machine Learning from Business perspectives.

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