The AI Game and Governance Lab leverages and extends Dr. Alexander’s research in Science and Technology Studies, history, and AI law and policy through hands-on projects and simulation-based games. These projects build on her research and course lectures to explore the sociotechnical aspects and contexts of AI-based technologies. Subjects of inquiry include the overlooked limits, possibilities, legal loopholes, cultural adaptations, and societal implications that emerge where AI and human decision-making—including corporate, organizational, and government decision-making—converge. Students and volunteers use their unique interests and skill sets, or develop new ones, working individually and in teams to develop and play games, experiment with AI apps, develop policy solutions, and participate in researching urgent questions at the nexus of AI, law, and society. To get involved, see below.
Joining the lab: In most cases, taking Dr. Alexander’s course, STS102: AI in Society is the first step to joining the lab. Once in the course, students can apply to join project teams based on their career interests and goals. Each team is formed based on skills needed, capabilities for teamwork, commitment level, and other important qualities that vary by project, such as a high tolerance for ambiguity. Since most of the projects relate to AI and this is a frontier field characterized by high levels of technical, social, and legal uncertainty, our projects focus on problem-solving. If you love to work on solving problems, many of which may be “unsolvable,” if you like challenges and dilemmas, have an inventive, creative, and open mindset, and are willing to ponder some of the most difficult and uncomfortable questions facing society, this lab may be a good fit for you. Some projects are more exploratory and require deep thought, while others focus on concrete deliverables (such as making videos about AI for the UC Davis Library website). But all of our projects and research will demand your best work. Your contributions and participation will allow you opportunities to build and showcase skills that will equip you to lead work, thought, policy and public discourse on topics related to AI and emerging technologies. You will not think or talk about AI in the conventional and predictable ways that it is currently covered in the media or repeat the same lines that everyone else is saying. Instead, you will understand what is behind what is covered in the media and common debates and positions, and be able to interpret it for yourself and everyone around you. After taking the course and working in the lab, if successful, you will be “ahead of the game” when it comes to understanding questions about AI adoption, use, regulation, and research.
For more information, sign up for STS102 (Winter and Spring quarters 2026) and/or write Dr. Alexander at csalexander@ucdavis.edu.
Ongoing Lab Projects
- Red-Teaming AI Law Game: Team 1 conceptualizes AI technologies/uses that evade (3D) law & regulation, Team 2 attempts to test/use existing regulation, law, and policy or make new laws and regulations to “catch”/contain/litigate against Team 1.
- Explaining AI to Non-Experts: Develop storyboards & videos explaining AI to students & the public. A public resource in partnership with UC Davis Libraries.
- Building an AI Game: Gamifying AI ethics based on finance sector & a joint paper I am currently working on. – Help build a game about AI (AI Dev) that puts players in the driver’s seat for making decisions on legal and practical dilemmas in the adoption and use of AI.
- Visualizing Futures for Ethical Decision-Making: Continue concept testing an AI that I have conceptualized that allows people to envision possible future scenarios based on the impact of their decisions at scale, & test flaws & risks.
- Design Your Own Project with Instructor Consultation: I can support a maximum of two students on independent lab projects per quarter. Not guaranteed, case-by-case, see instructor.
AI in Society 