Allen Song has been awarded the Alumni Research Award to support his research on designing artificial intelligence technologies to support school psychologists in K-12 education. The award enabled him to expand his research by conducting larger-scale surveys and interviews with school psychologists across the U.S.
What program are you in?
I am a PhD student in engineering.
What do you consider your hometown?
China.
Where did you earn your undergraduate degree?
Columbia University in New York City.
Who are the faculty that you are working with on this research?
Elizabeth Murnane.
What is your area of research?
My research focuses on designing artificial intelligence technologies to support school psychologists in K-12 education. There is a national shortage of school psychologists, many of whom are overworked due to the large student populations they serve. As a result, K-12 students are not receiving adequate support. My goal is to understand how school psychologists currently operate, their attitudes toward AI, and how we can design AI tools to enhance their ability to address students' mental health needs effectively.
What is its potential impact?
The potential impact of this research is significant for both school psychologists and students. By leveraging AI, we can improve school psychologists' productivity and reduce burnout, allowing them to manage larger caseloads without sacrificing care quality. This, in turn, can lead to better mental health support for K-12 students, providing earlier interventions and more personalized care.
What will the Alumni Research Award allow you to do?
The Alumni Research Award has allowed me to expand my research by conducting larger-scale surveys and interviews with school psychologists across the U.S. It has also provided funding for specialized AI software tools and allowed me to attend conferences where I will present my findings and collaborate with other researchers in the field.
Why did you choose Dartmouth to pursue your degree?
I chose Dartmouth for its interdisciplinary approach and strong emphasis on research with real-world impact. The close-knit research community, along with access to experts in human factors, and the support I've received, make it the ideal place to pursue my projects.
What are your hobbies or interests outside of your research?
Outside of my research, I enjoy exploring new restaurants and trying different cuisines.
What is your favorite place or most activity that you like best in the Upper Valley?
My favorite place in the Upper Valley is Molly's. It's the perfect spot to relax and enjoy great food with friends after a busy week.
