Hi, my name is Christian López Bencosme, and I am an Assistant Professor of Computer Science with an affiliation in Mechanical Engineering at Lafayette College. I completed my Ph.D. from the Harold and Inge Marcus Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering at the Pennsylvania State University, and a Master of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering from the Rochester Institute of Technology, NY. Before pursuing my career in academia, I  worked in both the Service and Manufacturing sectors.

My research interests are in the design and optimization of intelligent decision support systems and persuasive technologies to augment human proficiencies. What this means is, I work on designing and creating systems to help make better decisions and help improve task performance by integrating technologies and methods from science and engineering, such as Machine Learning and Virtual Reality. In some cases, these systems need to be able to motivate individuals as well; hence, the use of persuasive technologies like gamification. The technologies and systems I am interested in have great potential for advancing the field of education, business, health, wellness, and others.

Research Interests:

-Machine Learning & Data Science

-Persuasive Technologies & Gamification

-Virtual & Augmented Reality

-Human Factors & Human-Computer Interaction

-Engineering Desing and Education