Jeya Amantha David Pandya Kumar

Jeya Amantha Kumar is a Research Assistant Professor at the FedEx Institute of Technology at the University of Memphis. She is also the Director of the newly established Multimodal AI experience (MaX) Lab in the FedEx Institute of Technology. Her research examines how people interact with artificial intelligence and digital technologies, with particular emphasis on generative AI, human-AI interaction, AI in education, human-computer interaction, digital learning, and technology acceptance. Her current work explores how AI generated information, explanations, and feedback influence users' understanding, behavior, and decision making.

 

Dr. Kumar brings more than two decades of experience across higher education, technical education, and educational research. Before joining the University of Memphis, she was a Research Associate with Evidence-Driven Learning Innovation at Michigan State University and previously served as an Assistant Professor for six years at Universiti Sains Malaysia. Earlier in her career, she spent approximately 15 years teaching within the Malaysian polytechnic system, primarily in electrical engineering and technology-related programs. This experience also involved curriculum development, technical and vocational education, and workforce and career development training.

 

Her research expertise includes mixed methods and behavioral research, structural equation modeling, and quantitative and qualitative analysis. Across her work, she is particularly interested in connecting emerging technologies with evidence-based approaches to learning, human behavior, and the development of effective educational and workforce learning experiences.

 

Dr. Kumar has authored and coauthored more than 70 peer-reviewed articles in educational technology, AI, digital learning, and human-computer interaction. Her work has appeared in numerous top 10% highly ranked journals worldwide, both as a single author and in collaboration with others. Notable publications include Computers & Education, Education and Information Technologies, IEEE Access, and the International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education. She was recognized among the Stanford/Elsevier Top 2% Scientists in Social Sciences and Education in 2024 and 2025 and received the VIWA Outstanding Women Researcher in Educational Technology Award in 2023. She also serves as an Associate Editor for Educational Technology for the Journal of University Teaching and Learning Practice.