Colorado School of Mines is home to experts who can speak to how AI -- whether generative AI and Large Language Models like ChatGPT, Copilot and Gemini or conversational AI assistants designed specifically for classrooms -- supports the educational mission of colleges and universities as well as sometimes challenges it.
Our Experts
Estelle Smith, assistant professor in computer science
Smith is an expert on the ethical issues surrounding AI and human-centered practices that are important to consider when designing reliable, safe and trustworthy AI systems. Smith, who is conducting a longitudinal study of how GenAI has been adopted at Mines, can provide insights on how students and faculty are using AI in an engineering education environment. She teaches a graduate seminar on AI Ethics and Human-AI Interaction.
Zibo Wang, teaching assistant professor in computer science
Wang is an expert in machine learning and the use of GenAI agents to help university faculty create quality learning materials while saving time and effort on repetitive tasks. In addition to machine learning, Wang’s research interests include biometric authentication and robotics.
Kathleen Kelly, teaching associate professor in computer science
Kelly’s focus is computer science education using gamification and generative AI. She utilizes AI to assist in the creation of computer games that allow her students to compete as they quiz themselves on content recently covered in class. Kelly’s students utilize an AI assistant to generate a story around a learning topic, giving the students analogies on that topic that help explain it.
Bo Wu, associate professor in computer science
Wu, an expert on systems for training and optimizing machine learning models, is the founder of HiTA AI, a startup that provides conversational AI assistants built on a university's knowledge base. HiTA is designed to enhance student learning, simplify school life, and reduce the workload for faculty and staff. In addition to being utilized at Colorado School of Mines, HiTA is also being piloted at Cornell University.
Carter Moulton, faculty developer for the Trefny Innovative Instruction Center
Moulton has led many of Mines’ genAI efforts as they relate to teaching and learning on campus, including the Guidelines for Using Generative AI at Mines, the Mines AI Field Guide and a Prompt Library for instructors. Moulton also leads communities of practice and professional development intensives related to genAI for Mines faculty. Moulton launched an educational card deck project called Analog Inspiration that helps educators center human values, skill, and concerns as they wrestle with how to approach AI in the classroom.
Gabe Fierro, assistant professor of computer science
Fierro is an expert on data management and AI and machine learning (including generative AI and Large Language Models) for domain-specific applications. His work examines how AI and machine learning can be used for critical infrastructure like smart buildings and water treatment systems. Fierro is also interested in how we can use generative AI in the classroom for quick prototyping and ad-hoc examples that illustrate key concepts to students.
Justin Shaffer, associate dean of undergraduate studies, Fryrear Chair and teaching professor of chemical and biological engineering
Shaffer is an expert on STEM course design and the efficacy of teaching strategies and techniques. He works with faculty and teachers via professional development workshops to improve their course designs and student outcomes. He is open to how best to incorporate AI into course design and student learning and assessment but is also skeptical
About Mines
Colorado School of Mines is a public R1 research university focused on applied science and engineering, producing the talent, knowledge and innovations to serve industry and benefit society – all to create a more prosperous future.
