Michael R. Scheessele

Michael R. Scheessele serves as Associate Professor of Computer Science and Psychology at Indiana University South Bend, where he bridges artificial intelligence and cognitive science through ethically grounded research on intelligent systems. His dual expertise informs interdisciplinary investigations into machine morality and psychologically plausible AI architectures.

His educational foundation includes:

• Ph.D. in Quantitative and Mathematical Psychology from Purdue University (2001)
• MS in Quantitative and Mathematical Psychology from Purdue University (1998)
• MS in Computer Science from DePaul University (1994)
• BS in Computer Science: Information Systems from Purdue University (1983)

Scheessele's research centers on AI Ethics, critically examining anthropocentrism in determining machine moral status and human nonanthropocentrism limits. He develops psychologically plausible AI systems for artificial vision and problem-solving, integrating cognitive psychology principles to model human-like perception. His work uniquely connects computer science rigor with philosophical ethics, addressing urgent questions about human-machine relationships through empirical and theoretical frameworks.

Publication analysis reveals a distinct trajectory from cognitive psychology (2005-2008 visual perception studies) to contemporary AI ethics leadership (2018-2021 moral status frameworks). Recent work demonstrates growing emphasis on ethical AI development, while maintaining connections to foundational cognitive science through vision research.

His scientific recognition includes:

• SMART Summer Fellowship (2020) for mentoring Ben Bavar on robot blame intuitions
• Faculty Research Grant (2018) supporting anthropocentrism defense in machine ethics
• Supplemental Travel Grant (2018) for AIES conference presentation
• New Frontiers Experimentation Fellowship (2017) exploring moral obligations to intelligent machines

Scheessele actively mentors students in interdisciplinary research, as evidenced by the SMART Summer Fellowship project. His grant portfolio reflects strategic funding for both student development and high-impact conference dissemination, particularly in emerging AI ethics venues. Current research focuses on ethical frameworks for intelligent machines through multiple funded initiatives.

No dedicated research labs or formal teams are specified in available documentation, though his work involves cross-departmental collaboration between Computer Science and Psychology.