Dr. Frank Ritter

Biography

Frank Ritter is a Professor at Penn State's College of Information Sciences and Technology, specializing in the fields of cognitive modeling and human-computer interaction. His academic path led him to earn a Ph.D. in Artificial Intelligence Psychology from Carnegie Mellon University and a Master's in Psychology from the same institution, following a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Ritter's research extensively explores cognitive architectures and the effects of cognitive moderators in learning and educational contexts, with applications in public health and disaster medicine. He has contributed to the field through numerous refereed books, articles, and conference papers focused on cognitive modeling, AI, and HCI. His work has been recognized with various fellowships, including those from the Air Force Office of Scientific Research and the Fulbright Commission. Additionally, Ritter is actively involved in teaching methodologies related to cognitive modeling and the impacts of human-computer interfaces on learning outcomes. His efforts include leading teams to develop educational resources aimed at improving public health responses to pandemics through innovative teaching methods. Moreover, he has served as an associate editor for the Human Factors journal and has collaborated on significant research projects funded by prestigious agencies, including the U.S. Office of Naval Research and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research.

Research Interests