My name is Aileen Benedict, and I am a Lecturer in the College of Computing and Informatics at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. I primarily teach courses in Data Mining, Data Structures, and Visual Analytics, and I am passionate about student-centered learning, industry partnerships, and helping students see the real-world impact of what they learn in the classroom.

My research interests bridge human-centered AI and computing education. I focus on:

• Designing recommender systems for music therapy, particularly supporting visually impaired children.
• Exploring how AI tools can enhance teaching and learning, while keeping curiosity, reflection, and creativity at the center.
• Building student recommender systems that connect learners with peer experiences, resources, and a sense of belonging.

Outside of teaching and research, I enjoy painting, playing video games, drinking tea, and doodling in my notebooks.

Currently working on:

• Building action-rule–based recommender systems for Typhlo Music Therapy
• New projects on student-centered recommender systems in higher education
• Exploring the future of AI in learning and reflection

Currently reading about:

• Human-Centered AI in education and healthcare
• Reflective teaching practices and pedagogy
• Creativity and curiosity in learning environments

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Why am I here?

Because everything is exciting. Hooray.

The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.

Albert Einstein

I’m a dreamer. And many of my aspirations have been fueled by stories:

“An android assistant with a defective personality chip, sense of humor, and sarcastic charm; a healthcare robot that looks like a marshmallow and acts like a friend; and an android’s daughter who learned how to feel – these fictional characters all led me to where I am today. These are the stories that inspired me as I grew up and pushed me to pursue studies in computer science. I wanted these dreams to come true. I wanted that sarcastic android to exist. I wanted to see that squishy robot roaming around, helping patients. And I wanted to be the one to help bring these stories to life.”

This was a part of my Statement of Purpose and I suppose the reason I’m here still remains the same. There is so much that interests me and so many ideas to pursue. I hope to use this curiosity to make things that are helpful. :’)

The rest of my statement is below.