Collin Lucken
Hastings Postdoctoral Scholar in AI & Humanity
Bowdoin College
My research addresses two connected questions: what constitutes genuine scientific progress, and how should we build AI systems that advance it? I develop an account of scientific progress that foregrounds engineering practice, material construction, and public engagement alongside traditional theoretical reasoning. In parallel, I design minimal agent simulations and study interactive computational media to investigate how cognition emerges from embodied, situated interaction—work that informs both cognitive science and the design of AI systems. This research draws on training in chemical and biomolecular engineering (B.S., NYU), robotics and intelligent autonomous systems (M.Eng., Cincinnati), and philosophy of science (Ph.D., Cincinnati), as well as prior work as an oilfield mechanic, a baker at Momofuku Milk Bar, and an engineer at Cooper Genomics and Procter & Gamble.
News
- 2025 Recruited a team of undergraduate student ambassadors as part of the Hastings Initiative for AI and Humanity.
- 2025 Joined Bowdoin College as Hastings Postdoctoral Scholar in AI and Humanity.
- 2025 Article published in Studies in History and Philosophy of Science: “Leveraging participatory sense-making and public engagement with science for AI democratization.”
- 2025 PhD dissertation completed: Engineering Progress in Science, University of Cincinnati.
- 2024 M.Eng. in Robotics and Intelligent Autonomous Systems completed.
Research Areas
Two primary lines of inquiry. For details and publications, see the research page.
Scientific Progress
Developing an operative account of scientific progress that foregrounds engineering practice, material construction, and public engagement alongside traditional theoretical reasoning. This work integrates historical resources from Whewell and Carnap, and draws on science communication research to show how dialogical engagement with diverse communities is itself a driver of cognitive scientific progress.
Embodied AI & Computational Cognition
Designing minimal agent simulations and studying interactive computational media to investigate how cognition emerges from embodied, situated interaction. This research applies advances in agentic AI to cognitive science, and extends to philosophical analysis of digital environments —including video games—as sites where computational systems mediate genuine cognitive and ethical engagement.