Title: Human Machine Teaming Studies in Real-World Contexts: Examining AI as Tools, Teammates, and the Future of National Security

Presenter: Lieutenant Colonel Chad Tossell, PhD, Professor and Senior Military Faculty, Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership, United States Air Force Academy, Colorado

Abstract: Advanced technologies, including AI systems, are transforming how we approach education, medicine, transportation, and military operations. This talk will present findings from studies examining the influence of these technologies on trust, decision-making, and team performance in both laboratory settings and ecologically valid military environments. Looking to the future, intelligent machines will not only continue to function as tools and teammates but may also redefine how we approach work, collaboration, and collective problem-solving. The Human and Sociotechnical Systems Research (HSSR) program at the Center for National Security Initiatives (NSI) at CU Boulder was recently established to study and inform these future systems across domains such as flight, mission planning, command and control (C2), defense against misinformation, space operations, and related environments. Dr. Tossell will provide an overview of this program with an aim to partner with faculty, staff, and students to address these emerging challenges.

Bio: Dr. Chad Tossell (USAF, Retired) leads the Human and Sociotechnical Systems Research (HSSR) Program in the Center for National Security Initiatives (NSI) at the University of Colorado, Boulder. He graduated with a B.A. in Psychology from UC Berkeley, a M.S. in Applied Psychology from Arizona State University, and a Ph.D. in Human Factors / Human-Computer Interaction from Rice University. Before joining NSI, Dr. Tossell taught courses in human factors, psychology, and systems engineering at the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) winning the Outstanding Academy Educator Award in 2023. His research in human-AI teaming, automated driving, social robotics, training, and the will to fight has resulted in a wide range of publications, multiple research awards, and featured in media outlets such as The Economist. In addition to his time at USAFA, Dr. Tossell served as a Behavioral Scientist in a variety of technical and leadership positions around the world including the Air Force Research Laboratory for six years as program manager, team lead, human factors analyst, and branch chief. In support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Resolute Support, Dr. Tossell deployed to Afghanistan in 2014-2015 where he served as the Director of Operations for the Security Assistance Office and awarded the Bronze Star Medal.