Khan, a postdoc at Syracuse University, is investigating how generative AI influences autonomy and critical thinking during late adolescence—a pivotal stage for developing independent judgment. As students increasingly use tools like ChatGPT for learning and problem-solving, Khan’s research asks: Does reliance on AI change how young adults make decisions and express original thought? Her project combines behavioral and physiological measures, such as attention and cognitive load, with self-reports to assess ownership of reasoning in AI-assisted tasks. “By linking neuroscientific, behavioral, and institutional analysis, this project contributes a unique evidence base for designing rights-preserving AI and ensuring its adoption enhances rather than erodes human development,” said Khan, who holds a PhD in Informatics from Indiana University Bloomington. Findings will inform education policy and AI regulation.
