Emerging Technology Research Lab

Where students, researchers, and industry leaders collaborate to pioneer breakthroughs in AI, blockchain, and emerging technologies in the PNW.

Join the Lab

Our Focus.

Decentralized Governance

Investigating how blockchain and distributed systems enable transparent, efficient, and community-driven governance. Research emphasizes smart contracts, decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), and new models of collective decision-making for emerging technologies and societal coordination.

Agentic Representation

Exploring the development of AI agents that autonomously reason, adapt, and interact with their environments. Research focuses on advancing decision-making, autonomy, and ethical considerations in agent-driven systems, with applications in business, governance, and society.

Human-AI Interaction

Studying the dynamics of collaboration between humans and AI, with a focus on usability, trust, and ethical implications. Research covers conversational AI, augmented intelligence, interactive machine learning, and how AI systems can be designed for meaningful human engagement.

Blockchain & Business

Examining the impact of blockchain technology on industries, including finance, supply chains, and digital identity. Research explores innovative applications, token economies, decentralized platforms, and strategies for real-world business adoption and scalability.

Current Projects.

See what our team is actively building at the IF Lab.

01 GoverNoun

We’re building an AI agent to enhance decentralized governance by boosting engagement and decision-making in DAOs like Nouns.

02 AI Teaching Assistants

This tool uses AI to deliver personalized learning support, adapting to students’ styles and helping clarify course content.

03 LA Fires Zoning Code Agent

This AI tool automates zoning and building code analysis to help property owners and cities streamline development and recovery efforts.

View Projects

Featured Publications.

View our team's research that has been shared beyond initial ideas.

The promise of a decentralized internet: What is Web3 and how can firms prepare?

2023

By: Alex Murray, Dennie Kim, and Jordan Combs

View

Synthetic stakeholders: Engaging the environment in organizational decision-making

2024

By: Jen Rhymer, Alex Murray, and David Sirmon

View

Navigating the challenges of generative technologies: Proposing the integration of artificial intelligence and blockchain

2024

By: Jordan Brewer, Dhru Patel, Dennie Kim, Alex Murray

View

How The Lab Works.

Every project at IF Lab follows a proven process focused on rapid prototyping, real-world utility, and cross-disciplinary teamwork. Here’s how we go from idea to implementation.

Ideation & Research

Projects start with real problems—identified by students, faculty, or community partners. We scope the opportunity, define measurable goals, and assign an agile team to prototype fast.

Ideation & Research

Projects start with real problems—identified by students, faculty, or community partners. We scope the opportunity, define measurable goals, and assign an agile team to prototype fast.

Ideation & Research

Projects start with real problems—identified by students, faculty, or community partners. We scope the opportunity, define measurable goals, and assign an agile team to prototype fast.

Prototyping & Testing

Our student teams move quickly to build proof of concept from scratch, leverage AI tools, and Every prototype is tested with real users—whether it’s professors, students, or local partners.

Prototyping & Testing

Our student teams move quickly to build proof of concept from scratch, leverage AI tools, and Every prototype is tested with real users—whether it’s professors, students, or local partners.

Prototyping & Testing

Our student teams move quickly to build proof of concept from scratch, leverage AI tools, and Every prototype is tested with real users—whether it’s professors, students, or local partners.

Collaboration & Mentorship

Every project is surrounded by support: technical leads, faculty mentors, and industry advisors offer insight while student builders take the lead. Peer learning is built into every step.

Collaboration & Mentorship

Every project is surrounded by support: technical leads, faculty mentors, and industry advisors offer insight while student builders take the lead. Peer learning is built into every step.

Collaboration & Mentorship

Every project is surrounded by support: technical leads, faculty mentors, and industry advisors offer insight while student builders take the lead. Peer learning is built into every step.

Deployment & Impact

Once validated, our tools are implemented across campus, shared with community orgs, or pitched to industry partners. We track usage, gather feedback, and continue iterating to expand value.

Deployment & Impact

Once validated, our tools are implemented across campus, shared with community orgs, or pitched to industry partners. We track usage, gather feedback, and continue iterating to expand value.

Deployment & Impact

Once validated, our tools are implemented across campus, shared with community orgs, or pitched to industry partners. We track usage, gather feedback, and continue iterating to expand value.

Frequently Asked Questions.

Innovation starts with questions. If yours isn’t answered, let’s connect.

What is the IF Lab?

The Intelligent Futures (IF) Lab is a student and faculty-led research group at the University of Oregon focused on emerging technologies, including AI, blockchain, decentralized systems, and human-computer interaction. We connect students, researchers, and industry leaders to collaborate on innovative projects with real-world impact.