The MIL Lab is currently working on the following research projects:
- Math Achievement, Behavior and Motivation – In the Spring 2026 semester, we conducted a semester-long, intensive longitudinal research design in which students answered weekly surveys about their motivational beliefs in a traditionally challenging introductory math course. We attempted to capture students’ perceptions of self-efficacy, values, costs, and belongingness, and to connect these motivational beliefs to help-seeking behaviors and academic outcomes. The goal of this project is to better understand how students’ perceptions and behaviors change over the course of a semester. We are currently working on manuscripts and conference presentations related to this project.
- Student Experience Project at ODU – Started in Fall 2025, the Student Experience Project at ODU (which is part of the national Student Experience Project Institute; see link below) is a “Community of Practice” made up of university faculty who come together to create classroom contexts that support student motivation, engagement, and belonging. Community of Practice participants engage in asynchronous and synchronous training and discussions over the course of a summer and academic year to learn how to design motivationally supportive classroom climates.
- Read More About the Student Experience Project at ODU.
- Read More About the Student Experience Project Institute.
Future Directions
The MIL Lab is currently expanding its work into the surging field of Artificial Intelligence in education. Our team is especially interested in how students and faculty utilize Generative AI tools — such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and other emerging language models — throughout their educational journey. We wish to study how these tools influence students’ cognitions, emotions, and motivational processes.
As Generative AI becomes unavoidable across academic and professional domains, we believe researchers and educators share a responsibility to increase our understanding of how AI can both support and undermine meaningful learning. When used intentionally, tools like ChatGPT could potentially scaffold, personalize, and enhance learning experiences. However, when relied upon without structure, they may impede deep understanding and reduce student engagement.
Our goal is to illuminate how to leverage AI ethically, effectively, and in ways that promote student autonomy, belonging, and motivation.
