Investigating User Attitudes Towards and Benefits from Integrating AI Assistants into Research Computing Support

Volume 17, Issue 1 (March 2026), pp. 75–78

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@article{jocse-17-1-12,
  author={Injila Rasul and Georgia Stuart},
  title={Investigating User Attitudes Towards and Benefits from Integrating AI Assistants into Research Computing Support },
  journal={The Journal of Computational Science Education},
  year=2026,
  month=mar,
  volume=17,
  issue=1,
  pages={75--78},
  doi={https://doi.org/10.22369/issn.2153-4136/17/1/12}
}

High-Performance computing clusters used for Research Computing, hosted by universities, are an essential part of the ongoing teaching, learning, and research at these institutions. Users must understand myriad scientific, mathematical, and computing concepts. They have a range of experience and comfort with these platforms, requiring regular support as they engage with it for their research. To assist users on the Unity Research Computing Platform, the support team provides the Facilitation Slack channel to get help, find relevant documentation, learn new information, and troubleshoot, requiring significant staff time and funding. This study explores the design and implementation of an AI assistant chatbot augmenting existing support with HPC Facilitator oversight. We investigate the efficacy of AI assistants in extending the productivity and impact of research computing personnel while maintaining a high degree of direct contact with users. We discuss the Human-Centered AI Design and testing process and its significance for large-scale interventions.