UMass Boston

Gamze Yilmaz

Gamze Yilmaz

Department:
Communication
Title:
Associate Professor

Area of Expertise

AI-Enhanced Pedagogy in Higher Education, Design Thinking, Project-Based Learning, Online Message Perceptions, Social Media and Society

Degrees

PhD (Communication Studies), 2012, University of Texas at Austin

Professional Publications & Contributions

Additional Information

Gamze Yilmaz (PhD, The University of Texas at Austin) is an Associate Professor of Communication at the University of Massachusetts Boston. Her research focuses on cognitive and behavioral processes in language use on social media and the impact of pedagogical innovations on student learning experiences. She has participated in the Teaching and Learning Studio at Stanford’s Hasso Plattner Institute of Design and is certified by IDEO U as a design thinking practitioner. These experiences have deeply influenced her pedagogical approach. She has successfully implemented flipped classroom techniques and design thinking methods in communication courses, fostering student-centered learning environments. Dr. Yilmaz's passion for pedagogical innovation and student learning naturally extends to AI-enhanced pedagogy. Driven by a “cautious curiosity” about the role of AI in higher education, she launched the AI for Higher Ed Project (aiforhighered.com). Dr. Yilmaz emphasizes the importance of ongoing experimentation and critical reflection on teaching practices as AI technologies rapidly evolve. She aims to develop feasible, intentional, and responsible AI strategies for student learning and build a community of professors committed to continuous improvement and thoughtful adaptation of their pedagogical practices. Dr. Yilmaz’s research has been published in several peer-reviewed journals including Communication Research, Health Communication, Communication Quarterly, Journal of Language and Social Psychology, Communication Studies, Communication Research Reports, and Communication Teacher. Additionally, she presented her work in national and international conferences such as National Communication Association and International Communication Association.