2025 Posts

Chad McDonald and Matt Davis, Research Associate Professors at the University of Utah, have developed Virtual Motivational Interviewing (VMI), an AI- and VR-powered training tool within the Virtual Skills & Workforce Trainer (VSWT) platform. VMI provides social workers with repeated, realistic practice using AI-generated scenarios and a chatbot that simulates clients, offers feedback, and supports skill development in motivational interviewing. Modeled after Duolingo’s scaffolded learning approach, the platform delivers thousands of varied practice interactions efficiently. Early research shows the tool is well-received and performs as effectively as traditional training methods.

A new course, AI Prompting for Strategic Communication (COMM 3580), prepares emerging communicators to work confidently and responsibly with artificial intelligence. Taught by Professor Andy J. King, the class gives students hands-on experience with AI tools that streamline workflows, enhance creativity, and support real-world communication tasks. Alongside practical skills, students also explore ethical considerations and the limits of AI in professional settings.

This story highlights how the Marriott Library used AI to improve student employee staffing in interlibrary loan services. By analyzing historical request data and generating predictive heatmaps, Acquisitions Supervisor Annelise Nicholes Xiao aligned student schedules with actual demand—reducing idle time, improving service quality, and creating a more stable work environment. The project shows how predictive AI can streamline operations and elevate the student and patron experience, with further applications already underway.

At the University of Utah’s Utah NeuroRobotics Lab, artificial intelligence is driving breakthrough research in bionic technology. Led by Jacob A. George, the team develops AI-powered prosthetic and assistive devices that restore movement and sensation for individuals with neuromuscular impairments. Their work blends engineering, medicine, and machine learning to create intuitive, life-changing technologies—many of which have already produced compelling patient outcomes and inspired new startup ventures. Through deep interdisciplinary collaboration, the lab is shaping the future of bionics and redefining what’s possible in assistive healthcare.

At University Connected Learning, artificial intelligence is helping streamline communication between systems that traditionally don’t work well together. Program Coordinator Taber Tang used AI to automate the once time-intensive process of creating Outlook events for classes—reducing the workload from two to three full days to just three hours. This efficiency not only saves significant staff time but also minimizes errors and allows the team to focus on more meaningful work.