Nicki James Shepherd researches artificial intelligence in education, with a particular interest in how generative AI and adaptive technologies can make higher education more effective and more inclusive. His work combines a software engineer’s understanding of how these systems are built with a lecturer’s view of how they affect real students in real classrooms. He is undertaking a PhD by publication in AI and education and has eight peer-reviewed publications across AI, cyber security, and law.
Research interests
Nicki’s research sits at the intersection of computing and education, and clusters around four themes.
Generative AI and large language models in teaching and learning
How tools such as large language models are reshaping assessment, feedback, and the day-to-day practice of teaching in colleges and universities, and how educators can adopt them responsibly.
Adaptive and intelligent tutoring systems
The design and evaluation of systems that personalise learning to the individual student, drawing on a long tradition of intelligent tutoring research and bringing it up to date with modern AI.
AI, accessibility, and disabled students in higher education
How AI can widen participation and support disabled students in UK higher education, and how to design these technologies so they are genuinely inclusive rather than leaving people behind.
Cyber security, law, and ethics
The legal and ethical responsibilities that come with computing systems, including cyber security in high-stakes settings such as healthcare.
Approach
Nicki favours applied, practitioner-focused research grounded in real educational settings. His proof-of-concept studies are designed to be transparent and reproducible, and where synthetic data is used it is always clearly labelled as such.
Publications
You can browse the full, regularly updated list of peer-reviewed work on the publications page. To discuss collaboration, research partnerships, or supervision, email nick.shepherd@uk-research.org.
