What role could artificial intelligence play in helping university students manage stress? University of Utah Asia Campus psychology students Seungmi Lee and Hayun Baek explored this timely question through a research project that has now reached both publication and presentation.

On March 6, 2026, Lee and Baek presented their research at Utah Human-Centered Computing Research Day, held at the Cleone Peterson Eccles Alumni House in Salt Lake City. The annual event brings together researchers from a range of disciplines to share innovative work exploring the connections among people, technology and design.

Their paper, “Stress Management Utilizing an AI Mental Health Chatbot in a Trier Social Stress Test Paradigm,” was published by Springer Nature as part of the HCI International 2025 conference proceedings. Using a controlled stress-induction setting, the study examined whether an AI-based mental health chatbot could help university students regulate stress.

At the heart of the project was a practical question: Could an accessible, technology-based tool offer students meaningful support during stressful situations? By exploring this possibility, the study contributes to a growing body of research at the intersection of psychology, artificial intelligence and human-centered technology. It also adds to ongoing conversations about how thoughtfully designed digital tools might complement existing mental health support systems in educational settings.

Lee served as the principal investigator, leading the study design, Institutional Review Board process and overall research coordination under faculty mentorship. Baek, the paper’s second author, delivered the oral presentation at the research event. Collaborator Rishi Ramesh developed the AI chatbot used in the study under the supervision of Dr. Carina Pals.

From coordinating a research study to publishing a paper and presenting their findings, the project gave Lee and Baek valuable hands-on experience throughout the academic research process. It also demonstrated the possibilities that emerge when psychology students collaborate across disciplines to address real-world challenges.

UAC Psychology congratulates Lee and Baek on this achievement and looks forward to seeing more students contribute to meaningful research in psychology, technology and mental health.