Office of Undergraduate Research

Talk Now, Tech Later: Exploring AI-Supported Math and Language Learning in Early Childhood Education Academic Year 2026 Accepted Early Childhood Education, Bilingual/Multilingual Education, Language & Literacy Development, Educational Technology / AI in Education This project explores how young children (ages 3–5) and their families engage in everyday math and language interactions at home, especially in bilingual (Spanish-English) contexts. In the first phase of the project, we study how families naturally use storytelling, play, and daily routines (like cooking or organizing) to support early learning. In this second phase, we will begin to explore how interactive technologies, such as conversational tools or early childhood robots, can support and extend these interactions in meaningful ways. As an undergraduate researcher, you will be part of a team working directly on this next phase of the project. You will help us understand how technology can be designed to support (not replace) family interaction, language development, and early math learning. Brenda Sarmiento Quezada Assist with organizing and managing research data (audio, video, transcripts)
Support transcription and basic coding of interactions
Help prepare materials for working with families (activities, prompts, guides)
Assist with data collection in community or family settings
Contribute to literature reviews on early childhood, bilingualism, and AI in education
Participate in regular research meetings and discussions Interest in education, child development, language, psychology, or technology Strong organizational skills and attention to detail Willingness to work with qualitative data (audio/video/transcripts) Interest in working with families and community-based research Preferred (but not required): Spanish language skills Coursework in education, linguistics, psychology, or related fields Interest in AI, robotics, or educational technology 0 8 (estimated)