Alexander Kusenko

UCLA Department of
Physics & Astronomy

Teaching and mentoring

Undergraduate courses
Professor Kusenko enjoys teaching and developing modern educational tools available on Kudu.

Graduate courses
Advanced graduate courses taught in recent years include Astroparticle Physics (226E), Physics Beyond the Standard Model (226D), etc.

Ph.D. students
Eleven students have received their Ph.D. degrees under Professor Kusenko's supervision. Some of them hold faculty positions in academia, the others have moved to a very successful career in the industry.

AI and Mathematical Skills (AIMS) Project

AIMS

The AIMS project funded by the UCLA Teaching and Learning Center integrates supplemental mathematics and artificial intelligence (AI) tools into introductory Physical Sciences and Life Sciences courses at UCLA. The goal is to improve the learning outcomes and reduce inequalities by addressing gaps in math preparation and providing equitable access to advanced AI-assisted learning support. The project is based on the research paper by Y. Lu, K. Supriya, S. Shaked, E. Simmons, and A. Kusenko, Incentivizing supplemental math assignments and using AI-generated hints is associated with improved exam performance, Phys. Rev. Phys. Educ. Res. 21, 010160 .

Key Components

  • Supplemental Math Assignments: Targeted, concise materials to strengthen math skills relevant to each course.
  • Scaled Incentives: Incentive structure that benefits students most in need of support while avoiding “gifts for the gifted.”
  • AI Tools: Secure, course-integrated AI-generated hints and assistance to support learning and lower social barriers to seeking help.

Core team

  • Alexander Kusenko (PI) – Professor, Physics & Astronomy, UCLA
  • Steve Bennoun – Associate Professor of Teaching, Life Sciences, UCLA
  • Justin Caram – Associate Professor & Vice Chair, Chemistry & Biochemistry, UCLA
  • Dory DeWeese – Assistant Teaching Professor, Chemistry & Biochemistry, UCLA
  • Yifan Lu – Graduate student, Physics & Astronomy, UCLA
  • Shanna Shaked – Senior Associate Director, CEILS, UCLA
  • Elizabeth Simmons – Executive Vice Chancellor & Professor of Physics, UCSD
  • K. Supriya – Associate Director, CEILS, UCLA