CSSR Education & Health Research Hub 2026-27 Speaker Series
Dr. Yankia Kowitlawakul: "Development and Effectiveness of an Artificial Intelligence-Teaching Assistant System (AI-TAS) for Undergraduate Students"
Friday, October 23, 2026 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM EDT
Online Location
Speaker: Dr. Yanika Kowitlawakul
Dr. Yanika Kowitlawakul is an Associate Professor in the School of Nursing, actively engaged in teaching undergraduate programs and serving as the RN-BSN/Co-Enrollment Program Coordinator. With a background as a critical care nurse for 17 years, encompassing five years in Thailand and 12 years in the U.S.A., Dr. Kowitlawakul brings her practical experience to her academic role. Prior to joining Mason in January 2023, she worked with the George Washington University (U.S.A) for three years and the National University of Singapore (Singapore) for 11 years.
At Mason, Dr Kowitlawakul’ s teaching includes nursing fundamentals, medical-surgical nursing, care for vulnerable populations, and research. She is also actively involved in research, with particular interests in educational technology and patient safety. Notably, she and her teaching team were honored with a 2024 Mini-Grant award from the Stearns Center for Teaching and Learning for their innovative Peer-Led Team Learning project. This project aims to provide tailored academic support to a diverse student population while fostering leadership skills.
Moderator: Dr. Blake Silver
Blake R. Silver is Associate Professor of Sociology in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology. He also serves as Director of Educational Pathways & Faculty Development in the Honors College and Director of the Education & Health Research Hub in the Center for Social Science Research.
Dr. Silver completed a PhD in sociology at the University of Virginia, where he was a Jefferson Fellow. His research focuses on culture, social stratification, and higher education, addressing questions about students' pathways to, through, and beyond college.
His current projects examine honors college students' educational pathways, the senior-year transitions of second-generation immigrant students, and student decisions about navigating college resources and opportunities. His research has been supported by groups including the American Sociological Association, the Jefferson Scholars Foundation, ACPA-College Student Educators International, the National Resource Center for the First-Year Experience and Students in Transition, and the NASPA Foundation.
About the Series:
The CSSR Education & Health Research Hub aims to use this speaker series to leverage connections and spark multidisciplinary dialogue. Please join us in conversation with Dr. Yanika Kowitlawakul and Dr. Blake Silver.
