In summer 2026, we interviewed three faculty members to learn more about their Briggs experience, what they enjoy about their roles, and interesting facts or initiatives here in the college. Our thanks to Amit Chitre, the Lyman Briggs College Fundraising and Stewardship Intern, who interviewed faculty.
Interview with Isaac Record, Ph.D., teaching professor in the Science and Society faculty group
What originally drew you to Lyman Briggs?
I was initially drawn to Michigan because of the cold weather haha, but what really attracted me to Lyman Briggs was the opportunity to help students rethink their relationship with technology. I was especially interested in exploring how technology shapes fields like healthcare and how students can critically engage with emerging technologies in their academic and professional lives.
What has been the most meaningful part of your Briggs experience?
One of the most meaningful experiences has been leading a study-away program in Maine with my wife. The program gave students the opportunity to move beyond the classroom and gain hands-on, real-world experience. As someone who is originally from Maine, it was especially rewarding to share my home state with students while helping them learn in a new environment.
Are you currently involved in any research, projects, or initiatives?
I maintain an active research agenda focused on how technology shapes knowledge, learning, and decision-making. One of my current projects is a book, What We Know Online, co-authored with Boaz Miller, which explores how people form responsible beliefs in technological environments. The book examines technologies and practices such as autocomplete search results, deepfakes, GPS navigation, and social media sharing, and asks how we can responsibly determine what to believe in an increasingly digital world.
I am also researching Critical Making, a teaching method that combines critical thinking with hands-on design and model-building. Through this approach, students work collaboratively to address complex “wicked problems” while learning about teamwork, interdisciplinarity, and the value of learning through experimentation. My current research investigates how these experiences contribute to students' sense of belonging, confidence, and understanding across multiple disciplines
What excites you most about that work?
What excites me most is watching students grow through the learning process. Some of the best learning happens when students make mistakes, reflect on those experiences, and improve their ideas. I want students to feel comfortable taking risks, exploring possibilities, and recognizing that failure is often an important step toward innovation and understanding.
How has Briggs shaped your academic, career, or personal goals?
Lyman Briggs has given me the opportunity to help students rethink their relationship with technology, particularly in areas such as healthcare and education. The college's emphasis on interdisciplinary learning and hands-on experiences aligns closely with my goal of helping students become thoughtful users and creators of technology.
Can you share a memorable moment you’ve had with a Briggs student in your work or classroom?
A group of students designed a vending machine concept intended to distribute hygiene and pharmaceutical products to unhoused and underserved communities. As they built and tested prototypes, they repeatedly had to stop and evaluate whether their design was practical. Although the final concept proved unworkable, the project became a powerful example of experiential learning because students learned through experimentation, failure, and reflection.
Are there any programs, opportunities, or initiatives at Briggs that you think alumni should know more about?
One of the most exciting developments is the continued growth of the CELL (Collaborative Experiential Learning Laboratory). Students from a wide range of backgrounds are using the space to experiment with new technologies, develop creative solutions to real-world problems, and gain hands-on experience with tools such as 3D printers and digital fabrication equipment. The space encourages innovation while creating a supportive environment where students can learn through trial and error.
If you could share one message with alumni or donors about the Briggs experience today, what would it be?
I want alumni and donors to know that Briggs continues to create opportunities for students to learn through hands-on experiences, collaboration, and creativity. Spaces like the CELL are open to everyone and give students the freedom to explore ideas, experiment with new technologies, and learn from failure in a supportive environment. Maintaining and expanding these opportunities requires resources, and donor support directly helps provide students with access to equipment, materials, and experiences that can shape their academic and professional futures. Every contribution helps ensure that Briggs students continue to have a place where they can innovate, take risks, and grow.