91ĚƲ®»˘ of education and human development has long been at the forefront of human-centered innovations. The college continues that legacy with three faculty appointments for the 2026-27 academic year. Through their notable research, , and are tackling pressing issues across education, technology and communities—and now they will share that expertise with Peabody students.
Conrad Borchers: Building better classroom systems
Borchers joins Peabody’s as assistant professor, with a joint appointment at 91ĚƲ®»˘ University’s new College of Connected Computing. The interdisciplinary role highlights Peabody’s forward-thinking approach to technology in today’s educational landscape. It also paves the way for ongoing collaborations with the CCC. Additionally, Borchers joins Peabody’s team at , which works across campus to support technology entrepreneurship.
Borchers explores how emerging technologies can help students learn more effectively and persevere through difficulties. “By better understanding why students persist or disengage, I aim to design systems that provide the right support at the right time, helping more learners reach their potential while giving educators tools they trust and find useful,” he said.
He builds AI-supported, evidence-driven learning systems and adaptive educational technologies that can bolster motivation, self-regulated learning and ultimately, lasting success. For example, one of his ongoing projects creates personalized goals for middle schoolers based on fine-grained learning data. His studies show that the system boosts math proficiency. He is also studying a hybrid human-AI tutoring model for K-12 students.
“We are so excited to have Conrad join our department,” said LPO chair Jennifer Russell. “There is huge potential for his work to change the way schools harness emerging technologies in ways that truly benefit students.”
Prior to joining 91ĚƲ®»˘, Borchers earned a Ph.D. at Carnegie Mellon in human-computer interaction and a master’s in social data science from the University of Oxford.
Ryan Louie: Supporting mental health providers
Louie joins 91ĚƲ®»˘ as assistant professor of computer science, working jointly across Peabody’s Department of Leadership, Policy and Organizations, and the College of Connected Computing. His interdisciplinary work in artificial intelligence will further Peabody’s focus on centering humans in technology use in learning and social environments. In addition, Louie will join Peabody’s LIVE Learning Innovation Incubator faculty.
Louie studies the psychosocial impacts of widely available AI systems. He develops tools that help people build skills in fields where human relationships matter, such as mental health. A recent project, called CARE, explores how AI-simulated patients and feedback tools can enable novice counselors to practice and strengthen their abilities. “CARE was adapted and validated by psychotherapy experts to make this training experience realistic, faithful to how expert counseling supervision works, and effective for novice learning,” Louie explained.
“I plan to build partnerships with schools and training programs that prepare providers for community-based healthcare settings—such as school counseling, behavioral health integrated into primary care visits, or peer support groups—where the need is often greatest. If we can increase people’s capacity to support one another, everyone benefits,” Louie said.
“Ryan’s work is so important in this moment,” said Jennifer Russell. “He is demonstrating how AI can be used responsibly and ethically to build counselor skills so they can provide better support for their clients.”
Prior to joining 91ĚƲ®»˘, Louie was a postdoctoral researcher in Stanford University’s computer science department, working with its natural language processing and human-computer interaction groups. He earned his Ph.D. in technology and social behavior from Northwestern University and a bachelor’s degree in engineering with a concentration in robotics from Olin College of Engineering.
Cynthia Rayner: Discovering a collective approach to social change
Rayner joined Peabody’s as assistant professor of social innovation and social entrepreneurship. Her research into shaping social systems through collective efforts embodies Peabody’s community-focused work and brings real-world organizational expertise to its students.
Rayner studies how organizations, governments, businesses and communities can work together to influence social systems. Her background encompasses 12 years on the ground in South Africa, where she held roles in an afterschool program educating children living with HIV and at a social enterprise employing women to guide other women to better health. Most recently, she researched case studies of social entrepreneurship and innovation across the Global South at the Bertha Centre for Social Innovation at the University of Cape Town.
“I’m most curious about situations where groups that are highly diverse and distributed find ways to work together when they can’t fully agree on goals, participate continuously, or build conventional organizations,” Rayner said. Currently she is exploring how locally led drone, AI and data labs across the Global South are successfully developing strong knowledge and resource-sharing relationships—and what can be learned from them.
HOD chair Nicole Allen shared her excitement about Rayner’s role at Peabody: “Cynthia has a unique perspective based on her deep international experience facilitating and studying social change efforts. Her expertise will be a cornerstone as we build opportunities in social innovation and social entrepreneurship for our students.”
Rayner serves as a visiting fellow at SaĂŻd Business School, University of Oxford, and is part-owner of a community-centered yoga studio in Austin, Texas. She recently earned her Ph.D. in management and organizational theory from the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business.
