CAIRE Research Lab
The Center for AI Research and Education (CAIRE) lab is Washington State University’s interdisciplinary hub for design-based research, development, and innovation in responsible AI for education. Anchored in the College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences, CAIRE serves as a bridge across WSU colleges to foster cutting-edge research and socially responsive applications of AI in K–16 education. CAIRE was established to respond to the growing need for ethical, human-centered AI systems that can support student learning, empower educators, and reduce barriers to access.
CAIRE envisions a future where AI serves as a trusted educational partner—supporting human creativity, judgment, and care to advance equity and opportunity in K–16 education.
Research Ecosystem Vision
CAIRE supports interdisciplinary grant development across WSU colleges and with external partners. We serve as a hub for identifying funding opportunities, initiating collaborative proposals, and providing infrastructure for proposal development in areas related to AI, learning sciences, and equitable education systems.
Community Engagement Vision
CAIRE engages in sustained outreach with K–12 schools, teachers, and students, particularly in rural and historically underserved communities. Through professional learning workshops, co-design partnerships, and classroom-based research, we ensure that our innovations are grounded in practice and responsive to local needs.
Scholar Cultivation Vision
CAIRE empowers graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and early-career faculty to become leaders at the intersection of AI and education. We offer mentoring, research apprenticeships, writing retreats, and professional development opportunities that support emerging scholars in building impactful, interdisciplinary careers.
Research Areas
CAIRE advances interdisciplinary research at the intersection of artificial intelligence, education, and equity. We design and study human–AI partnerships that help teachers teach more effectively and students learn more deeply. Our work integrates learning sciences, computer science, and science education to create practical, responsible innovations for classrooms.
AI-Supported Assessment and Instruction
CAIRE develops and tests AI systems that help teachers design and interpret NGSS-aligned assessments, provide real-time feedback, and adapt instruction to diverse learners.
Teacher Learning and AI Co-Design
Teachers collaborate with CAIRE researchers to co-design tools, explore pedagogical uncertainty, and integrate AI meaningfully into their practice—especially in rural and under-resourced schools.
AI Literacy and Ethics
CAIRE studies how educators and students understand and use AI, building frameworks and curricula that promote responsible, transparent, and equitable use of emerging technologies.