Alonzo Dozal - Peer Mentor

Currently, I do research in the Human Machine Communication Lab, where I, alongside my research partner, Murad Pashayev, and our mentor, Dr. Cameron Piercy, have designed a research experiment that investigates whether or not AI has a place in court but more specifically whether or not it has the ability to give expert testimony. Generally, I'm interested in researching the intersection of technology and law. Emerging Scholars has helped me explore those interests by giving me the ability to be part of a lab that conducts very 'future-forward' research—I've found it to be quite the motivating environment.

As I am entering my sophomore year, I will continue working on the same research project in hopes of discovering something that is useful and relevant in current time. Beyond that, I'd like to do more research about AI and/or law. Upon graduating, I hope to go on to law school on the West Coast and specialize in foreign business law.

I chose to be a peer mentor because Emerging Scholars has provided me with an avenue to think critically about my interests, as well as a community of people who are supportive and available to give advice. Given this, I want to give back to the program by providing the same experience I had to incoming researchers. My mentor, Michelle, was an amazing person who always gave relatable advice, not just on how to succeed in college but also about what classes to take. 

More information about me:

• I enjoy traveling because of the ability to experience different cultures and people—I went to Morocco in January 2026, and prior to visiting, I had never been surrounded by so much culture and rich history. 
• I have also wanted to get more into reading. Currently, I am reading Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, and I think I'll read Shoe Dog or The Road next.