Director Reza Moradinezhad

I am passionate about designing trustworthy and effective interaction techniques for Human–AI collaboration. I am an Assistant Teaching Professor at Drexel University College of Computing and Informatics (CCI), teaching both undergraduate and graduate level courses. Also as a former AI Scientist at TulipAI, I lead teams of young students on Generative AI projects, pushing the mission of empowering media creators through ethical and responsible use of AI.

I received my PhD in Computer Science from Drexel CCI. My PhD dissertation focused on how humans build trust toward Embodied Virtual Agents (EVAs). I have collaborated with MIT Media Lab, CMU HCII, Harvard University, and UCSD, publishing and presenting in venues such as Springer Nature, ACM CHI, and ACM C&C. I have been recognized as an Outstanding Reviewer by ACM ICMI 2019 and ACM CHI 2021. My work has been featured by multiple news outlets including The Next Web, TechXplore, and CBS News.

  • Ina Yang

    I’m a third-year Computer Science student at Drexel University with a strong interest in software design and user experience. I enjoy exploring how technology can make everyday life more intuitive and engaging. Outside of academics, I love playing badminton, swimming, and basketball, activities that keep me active and balanced. I’m always excited to learn new skills, collaborate with others, and apply creative problem-solving to real-world challenges.

  • Sanjida Saima

    I'm a junior at Drexel University, majoring in Computing and Security Technology. I have hands-on experience in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, MySQL, and PHP, and I enjoy building and designing websites that are both functional and visually appealing. Along with my programming background, I'm also interested in the security side of technology and how to make systems safer and more efficient. I'm looking forward to growing my skills in web development and cybersecurity as I continue my studies and future career.

  • Jeremy Ashley

    My name is Jeremy Ashley, I'm currently a Sophomore Computing Security and Technology Major at Drexel University. I have experience in multiple programming languages such as SQL, Python, Java, and Javascript. I've developed personal projects using these skills, expanding my knowledge game and software development, as well as deepening my interests in Cybersecurity and computer science.

  • Terry Song

    I’m a rising senior at Drexel University majoring in Data Science with a minor in Computer Science. I’m passionate about building data-driven systems that connect machine learning, analytics, and business impact. I have hands-on experience developing and deploying ML models on Google Cloud Vertex AI and working with tools like Python, R, SQL, and Power BI. My recent projects include flight delay prediction, obesity level classification, and retail sales forecasting, where I designed scalable pipelines, optimized model performance, and delivered interactive dashboards for decision-making. I’m particularly interested in applying cloud-based ML solutions to solve real-world problems.

  • Smit Patel

    I’m a third-year Computer Science student at Drexel University, with a minor in Finance and Data Science. I have a strong passion for Artificial Intelligence. Through my coursework and hands-on experience, I’ve developed a strong foundation in programming using Java, Python, and C. My interest in AI led me to join AI Atelier, where I serve as a Content Assistant. I work and contribute to the AI Agents coursework and research on video restoration algorithms, combining my technical skills with an interest in responsible AI applications. I like to explore emerging AI tools with their potential for innovation and real-world problem solving.

  • Jason Yav

    I am a third-year Computer Science student at Drexel University. Through my time at Drexel, I was able to become verse in a variety of coding languages that became crucial in working on personal projects and overall understanding the process of what it means to be a person contributing in the world of technology.

  • Darsh Solanki

    As a Graduate student at Drexel University, I am pursuing a Master’s in Computer Science with a focus on cooperative education and experiential learning. My academic interests include Software engineering, Data Structures, machine learning, Web Development, and AI. Outside my academic life, I find excitement in skiing and playing cricket

  • Byron McBorrough

    I’m a third-year Information Systems major minoring in Business Administration at Drexel University. At AI Atelier, I serve as a Marketing Strategist, where I combine creativity and analytics to promote innovative ideas and engagement. My academic interests lie in data analytics, database management, and exploring how information shapes systems and human interaction. I’ve developed a website to help others learn Japanese and enjoy designing in Figma. Outside of tech, I’m passionate about writing, playing piano, anime, and content creation through platforms like YouTube and Twitch.

  • Thien Hoang

    I’m a math-driven problem solver with interests in probability, optimization, and statistical modeling. Outside of academics, I’m passionate about competing in Counter-Strike for Drexel Esports, where I’m known for my sharp mechanics, decision-making, and strong competitive drive.

  • Yashwant Akolkar

    Yashwant Akolkar is a Marketing Strategist at AI Atelier, leveraging his background in information systems and business technology to design innovative marketing strategies for AI-driven solutions. Currently pursuing his M.S. in Information Systems at Drexel University, he blends technical expertise with creative insight to drive user engagement and data-informed decision-making. With experience in digital marketing, software development, and UI/UX design, Yash brings a unique balance of creativity and analytics to his work. His goal is to strengthen AI Atelier’s brand presence and contribute to shaping impactful, human-centered innovations in the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence landscape.

  • Raid Islam

    I'm a second year Computing & Security Tech Major at Drexel University, I have experience with Java, Python, SQL, and other fundamentals of web development and security. I have had worked on two major projects in my previous year, one in a team where we designed a video game, and the other being a solo project where I worked on designing a website with good security measures. Being able put code into practice into projects Is something I am very passionate about!

  • Ulisses Biancardi

    I'm an undergraduate student taking Drexel's accelerated MS in Computing & Security Technology. I have had experience with Database Adminitstration, Ethical Hacking, and Docker Containerization. I've always had a fascination with Cybersecurity in general, and have been experimenting with both computer hardware and software since I was twelve years old.


Former Research Team Members (Alumni) ▼

Alivia DiPrimeo

I'm a rising third-year Computer Science student at Drexel University with hands-on experience in Java, Python, C, and Racket. Through my coursework and a Software Engineering internship at Amazon, I've developed a strong foundation in programming and software development, especially in Java. What really drives me is finding ways to bring creativity into the tech world. I love taking an idea or using my creativity to bring something to life with my technical skills.


Nathan Thomas

I'm a Computer Science and Math undergraduate at Drexel University with a passion for creative problem-solving. I've led community-driven projects and events, from debugging code to organizing impactful student activities. Whether it's algorithms, digital systems, or event coordination, I'm all about building things that matter.


Joseph Lewis

I'm a third-year Computer Science major with a focus in game design. I've worked with fellow students to create games at Drexel, and now I'll be serving as the YouTube Manager for AI Atelier. My role is to help showcase all the work the team is doing and bring our projects to a wider audience.


Miraj Yafi

I'm currently a rising third year majoring in Computer Science at Drexel University. My coursework has provided me with a solid foundation in programming with languages such as Python, Java, and C and object-oriented programming principles. I've applied this knowledge to build personal projects and web applications using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for the frontend, along with Flask and Python for the backend. In the future, I hope to pursue areas related to fullstack development.


Amaro Truong

I'm a third-year Software Engineering student at Drexel University. I've been part of a research effort with Drexel University and the University of Bremen in Germany, focusing on chip security using dummy transistors and adaptive models. I've worked as a Teaching Assistant, helping students with software projects using agile methodologies, and I'm currently interning at Microsoft, contributing to ongoing work with the interaction AI and Networking with protocols like MCP and A2A. As Research Lead for AI Atelier, I'll help guide new explorations at the intersection of AI and ethics.


Lyutfiya Yussupova

I'm a second-year Computer Science student at Drexel University, concentrating in Computer Graphics, Vision & Interaction, and Software Engineering. I recently accepted a position as an Event Coordinator for Drexel's Women in Computing Society, where I help plan events that promote diversity and engagement in tech. I also work as a Support Systems Engineer for Drexel's Office of Sponsored Programs, assisting with system optimization and digital workflow improvements. Previously, I interned as a Web Developer at Chocofood in Kazakhstan, developing user-centered web applications. I'm passionate about building innovative, ethical technologies and love connecting technical skills with creative storytelling.


Vedika Agnihotri

I'm a second-year Computer Science student at Drexel University. I've worked as a Security Analyst for Drexel University and led the Third Party Risk Management project during my time there. I take a strong interest in cybersecurity and ethics in tech, which led me to join AI Atelier to research AI ethics and ideate curriculum in this field. I'm excited to be a part of this venture!