Research Projects
My research portfolio showcases a range of impactful projects that I have led.
Many couples navigate the challenges of long-distance relationships (LDRs), and the emergence of "couple technologies" aims to facilitate and maintain relational practices in such scenarios. Chatbots hold significant potential in mediating interactions between individuals. However, there is limited understanding of whether and how chatbots can effectively support LDRs. This study presents a two-phase research project focused on designing and evaluating PocketBot, a chatbot designed to provide effective interventions for couples in long-distance relationships.
This research project addresses the scarcity of interview-based studies in Artificial Intelligence (AI) literature. We conducted 15 semi-structured interviews to delve into participants’ experiences with AI, with a specific focus on their thoughts and opinions regarding AI utilization during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, a global crisis. This study aims to bridge the gap in understanding how individuals perceive the role of AI in the context of a pandemic, providing crucial insights for future research and development.
The communities of Puerto Rico face significant vulnerabilities to climate change due to a series of compounding crises and extreme weather events. To address these challenges, a collaborative transdisciplinary effort is essential. This case study presents an empirical examination of an online collaboration between a group of academics and a Puerto Rican non-governmental organization, Caras con Causa. The collaboration focused on a National Science Foundation Project, The INFEWS-ER, aiming to enhance the resilience of Puerto Rican food, energy, and water systems.
This research project delves into the online engagement of teenagers with climate change content on various social media platforms. Through a qualitative content analysis of popular climate change posts on Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter, the study seeks to uncover how these posts address animals and emotions and how they influence teens' perceptions of climate change. The research also builds on prior survey work with 100 American teens to provide a comprehensive understanding of the intersection between youth, climate change, and social media.
