Finishing Fellowship Award – Spring 2026 – Anusha Kannan

The first time I attended a Sensation and Perception class as an undergraduate elective, I realized how much I enjoyed cognitive science. I was curious about how our minds work and why we make certain decisions. When I looked for programs to study this further, I found myself traveling from my home in Dubai all the way to Houghton. It was a long trip, but one of the best decisions I have made.

My research focuses on how we can reduce risk by using planning methods that help people think ahead. These methods can improve how we design human-AI systems. I am especially interested in making technology more human centered and safer to use. Right now, I am studying how drivers make decisions in high-risk situations, like railroad crossings. I hope this work helps improve safety and guides designers to create smarter and more helpful AI systems.

I want to sincerely thank the Graduate Dean Awards Advisory Panel for selecting me for this fellowship. I am also very grateful to my advisor, Dr. Elizabeth Veinott, for her constant support during my PhD. Her guidance and encouragement have helped me grow as a researcher and prepare for my future career.