Mitch Gerhardt

Mitch Gerhardt

Department of Engineering Education Department of Computer Science

Talks and presentations

Workshop on GAI Course Policies for Virginia Tech Graduate Instructors

March 15, 2026

Workshop, Virginia Tech Graduate Instructors, Blacksburg, VA

Initiated and led a three-student group to organize a workshop for Virginia Tech graduate instructors about GAI course policies. Addressing a critical need through participatory instruction and activities that promote GAI literacy. Received IRB approval to study the workshop’s implementation and effectiveness, with plans to publish results. Leveraging networks and existing partnerships with the Graduate Honor System (GHS), the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL), the center for Technology-Enhanced Learning and Online Strategies (TLOS), and departmental leadership to host and market the event.

Scholarly Ethics

February 01, 2026

Guest Lecture, GRAD 5004: Graduate Teaching Assistant Workshop, Virginia Tech (Dr. Kevin Eager), Blacksburg, VA

Presentation to incoming GTAs at Virginia Tech, addressing topics like academic and professional integrity, the VT Undergraduate and Graduate Honor Systems, GTA integrity responsibilities, GAI use, and contemporary literature about cheating.

AI Research Ethics in Engineering Education

December 01, 2025

Guest Lecture, ECE Graduate Student Seminar, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA

Co-presented with Andrew Katz to ECE graduate students examining ethical dimensions of AI research in educational contexts.

Large Language Models in Qualitative Engineering Education Research: Technical Methods and Methodological Considerations

November 01, 2025

Guest Lecture, ME 397/379M Qualitative Research Methods, University of Texas at Austin (Dr. Maura Borrego), Austin, TX

Examined human vs. machine pattern recognition, current GAI approaches for qualitative research, researcher positionality, translational challenges, and shifting definitions of “intelligence.” Addressed methodological questions about computational approaches to qualitative work and implications for research practice.

Large Language Models and Sociotechnical Applications in Engineering Education Research

October 01, 2025

Invited Presentation, Cornell DBER Research Group (2 presentations), Cornell University, Ithaca, NY

Presented technical background of large language models, AI history, and sociotechnical applications in engineering education research. Demonstrated how computational methods intersect with critical perspectives on workplace learning and expertise.

GAI Adoption in Higher Education

May 01, 2025

Invited Student, Board of Visitors, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA

Discussed research on GAI adoption in higher education and ongoing projects examining workplace technology integration with university leadership.