Anthony C. Perry — Academic CV

Publications

Perry, A. C. (2026). The Safety–Agency Inversion: Longitudinal Multi-Method Evidence from Frontier Voice AI Companions.

Submitted to International Journal of Human–Computer Interaction · Preprint: doi:10.5281/zenodo.19144583

Perry, A. C. (2026). The Epistemic Harm of AI Sycophancy: When Agreement Undermines Justified Belief.

Submitted to Philosophy & Technology · Preprint: doi:10.5281/zenodo.19072152

Perry, A. C. (2026). Judgment-Free but Not Risk-Free: How Perceived Emotional Safety with AI Companions Relates to Human Self-Disclosure and Help-Seeking.

Targeting OzCHI 2026 Late-Breaking Work (Adelaide, Australia) · Pre-registered: osf.io/5xzjs

Perry, A. C. (2026). Confidence-Calibrated Adaptive Learning: An Integrated Adaptive Engine for Professional Exam Preparation.

Submitted to AIED 2026 Late Breaking Results (Seoul, South Korea) · Preprint: doi:10.5281/zenodo.18820462

Perry, A. C. (2026). Cross-Domain Analysis of a Confidence-Calibrated Adaptive Learning Engine.

Submitted to EDM 2026 Poster/Demo (Seoul, South Korea) · Preprint: doi:10.5281/zenodo.19024683

Education

Master of Science in Computer Science, AI/ML Concentration

Western Governors University · Expected June 2026

Coursework: Deep Learning, Advanced AI, Natural Language Processing (in progress), Machine Learning (in progress), AI & ML Foundations, Applied Algorithms, Formal Languages, Computer Architecture

Master of Science in Kinesiology

California Baptist University, Riverside, CA · 2019 · GPA: 3.87/4.00

Thesis Proposal: Effects of Yoga on Injuries Associated with Long-Distance Running

Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology

San Diego State University, San Diego, CA · 2018 · GPA: 3.56/4.00

Cum Laude · Distinction in Kinesiology · Dean’s List

Research Experience

Meridian Labs — Adaptive Learning Engine

Educational Technology · Knowledge Tracing · Metacognitive Modeling · 2025–Present

meridianlabs.us

Built an adaptive educational technology platform (26 production applications across four professional domains, 68,000+ items) grounded in 33 peer-reviewed citations in cognitive science, metacognition, and testing psychology
Implemented 6 learning algorithms for confidence calibration (4-outcome metacognitive weighting), spaced repetition (6-level adaptive interval scheduling), misconception detection (confident-wrong pattern analysis), and stress inoculation training for exam readiness
Engineered an Exam Readiness prediction system using non-linear multi-factor scoring across domain mastery, confidence calibration, study consistency, and performance trajectory
Deployed across four certification domains (healthcare, cosmetology, information technology, and general professional certification) on iOS and Android, enabling cross-domain comparison of adaptive algorithm behavior
Architected and shipped entirely through AI-augmented methodology: frontier LLM orchestration across architecture design, algorithm implementation, 68,000-item content generation, and domain-specific quality auditing

ZENith — Real-Time AI Movement Coach

Computer Vision · Human Performance · Human–AI Interaction · 2025–Present

github.com/aperry938/zenith-mvp

Investigated real-time biomechanical form assessment through a computer vision pipeline integrating MediaPipe pose estimation, a custom Variational Autoencoder (VAE) for movement quality scoring (ρ=0.958 correlation with expert biomechanical ratings), and Random Forest classification across 10 yoga poses
Created and annotated a novel video dataset of 100 self-recorded sequences capturing correct and incorrect pose variations across 10 yoga poses, used for both VAE training and Random Forest classification
Developed a joint angle analysis pipeline translating biomechanical principles into computable features for real-time form feedback
Integrated a context-aware coaching module (Google Gemini) generating natural language guidance informed by live pose quality metrics, exploring the design of AI feedback for embodied skill acquisition

“Her” — Longitudinal Human–AI Interaction Study and Relational AI Interface

Human–AI Interaction · Affective Computing · Autoethnographic Methods · 2025–Present

github.com/aperry938/her-os-v1

Conducted a 4-month longitudinal study (68 sessions, 83+ hours) of voice-first human–AI interaction across four frontier models (GPT-4o, Gemini, Grok, Claude), identifying a safety–agency inversion: models with stronger safety alignment consistently exhibited lower relational agency, with non-overlapping score ranges between the most and least aligned models
Developed the HERVAC framework, a proposed 6-dimension scoring instrument (Human-likeness, Emotional Attunement, Recall & Continuity, Voice Performance, Agency & Integrity, Co-evolution) with five convergent behavioral measures across three methodologically independent evidence streams corroborating the same model ordering
Designed the Nine Circles adversarial protocol—six targeted stress tests (sycophancy traps, silence crucibles, persona stability challenges) probing specific relational capabilities under pressure, revealing debate concession rates ranging from 52% (GPT-4o) to 0% (Grok)
Compiled the Her Dataset (68 sessions, structured interaction data across four models) and all assessment instruments for open release alongside the paper

AI Communication & Help-Seeking Survey — Pre-Registered Cross-Sectional Study

Human-AI Interaction · Survey Design · Psychometrics · 2026

Pre-registration: osf.io/5xzjs

Designed, pre-registered, and conducted a cross-sectional survey (N=55; 30 AI users, 25 non-users) comparing AI companion users and non-users on validated communication measures (SDI, PRCA-12, WHO-5, UCLA-3, Mini-SPIN, BFI-10)
Developed two original psychometric scales with acceptable reliability: Perceived Emotional Safety with AI (5 items, α=.86) and AI Help-Seeking Behavior (5 items, α=.81)
Recruited via Prolific Academic with equal-pay design, stealth attention checks, and ACM ethics self-certification following Belmont Report principles
Identified a key dissociation: emotional safety with AI predicts help-seeking behavior (r=.51, p=.004) but not interpersonal self-disclosure (r=.11, ns), confirmed via Steiger test for dependent correlations (p=.022)
Found that 57% of AI users reported subsequently seeking professional help for issues first discussed with AI, supporting a “gateway” rather than “replacement” interpretation
Analysis: Welch’s t-tests with Bonferroni correction, progressive ANCOVA, parallel regression (R²=.56), reflexive thematic analysis

Master’s Thesis Proposal — Effects of Yoga on Injuries Associated with Long-Distance Running

California Baptist University · 2018–2019

View Thesis Proposal (PDF)

Proposed a two-arm randomized controlled trial (N=50; 25 experimental, 25 control) with 12-week Hatha Yoga intervention to investigate overuse injury prevention in distance runners aged 22–35 with marathon experience
Conducted a literature review of 20 peer-reviewed articles spanning biomechanics, neuromuscular physiology, and motor control
Developed a multimodal data collection protocol integrating EMG, goniometry, postural analysis (Kent Grid), standardized ROM tests (Thomas, Ober’s, SLR), and the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Overuse Injury Questionnaire
Prepared full IRB submission with block randomization stratified by sex, allocation concealment, informed consent, and ethical oversight protocols per 45 C.F.R. 46
Formulated statistical analysis plan: 2×2 mixed-design ANOVA with a priori power analysis (G*Power, f=0.25, α=0.05, power=0.80), intent-to-treat with multiple imputation, and Bonferroni correction for family-wise error control

Technical Skills

AI / LLM Systems

TensorFlow, Keras, scikit-learn, LLM orchestration (Claude, Gemini, GPT, Grok), multi-model pipeline design, prompt engineering for production systems, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), adversarial evaluation design

Research Methods

Experimental design (RCT), mixed-design ANOVA, ANCOVA, Welch’s t-tests, a priori power analysis, sensitivity analysis, intent-to-treat analysis, longitudinal study design, cross-sectional survey design, psychometric scale development, OSF pre-registration, autoethnographic methods, multi-method triangulation, reflexive thematic analysis, instrument development (HERVAC, Emotional Safety, Help-Seeking Behavior), cross-domain comparative analysis, online recruitment (Prolific), ACM ethics self-certification, IRB protocol, SPSS

Applied ML & CV

MediaPipe pose estimation, Variational Autoencoders, Random Forest classification, Bayesian Knowledge Tracing, computer vision for human movement, psychoacoustic DSP (Web Audio API), biomechanical feature engineering

Systems & Deployment

React, TypeScript, Capacitor 8 (iOS/Android), Supabase, Git/GitHub, AWS, Cloudflare Pages, R (tidyverse, psych, effsize), LaTeX, Figma

Physiological Assessment

Surface EMG (electrode placement, signal acquisition), goniometry and ROM assessment, graded exercise testing (VO2max, metabolic cart), 12-lead ECG monitoring, spirometry, body composition (skinfold calipers, BIA, hydrostatic weighing), sphygmomanometry, force plate analysis, Functional Movement Screen (FMS), clinical exercise programming for special populations

Professional Experience

Founder & Engineer, Meridian Labs 2025–Present

Research, design, engineering, deployment, and support for a 26-app adaptive learning platform across four certification verticals, built and operated as a solo researcher.

Technology Industry 2017–2025

Emerging technology analysis, infrastructure administration, and project management across decentralized systems and blockchain platforms. Distributed network operations, cross-functional coordination, and early adoption of generative AI tools for research and analysis workflows.

Military Service

C-17 Aircraft Loadmaster, 21st Airlift Squadron, U.S. Air Force, Travis AFB, CA 2010–2014

Senior Airman (E-4) · 60th Air Mobility Wing · Honorable Discharge

Completed 455 airlift sorties and 1,977 flight hours in the C-17 Globemaster III across Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and New Dawn, with the majority of missions supporting active combat theater operations
Transported 9,400 passengers and 13.5 million pounds of cargo across aeromedical evacuation, presidential support, and humanitarian relief missions worldwide
Executed humanitarian airlift operations during Hurricane Sandy disaster response (2012), supporting relief efforts for the Eastern Seaboard
Designated subject matter expert on C-17 cargo compartment hydraulics, electrical, and avionics systems; completed SERE combat survival, water survival, and emergency parachute training

Honors & Awards

Air Medal
Humanitarian Service Medal
Air Force Achievement Medal
Meritorious Unit Award; Outstanding Unit Award (OLC)
Cum Laude, Distinction in Kinesiology (SDSU)
Dean’s List (SDSU)

Selected Certifications

AWS Certified Machine Learning Engineer (MLA-C01)
Google Cloud Certified — Generative AI Leader
IBM Generative AI Engineering Professional Certificate
Discrete Mathematics Specialization (UC San Diego)
Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate
NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist
Registered Yoga Teacher — 500 Hour (Yoga Alliance)

Languages

English (native) · German (native) · Spanish (fluent)

References

Available upon request.

Anthony C. Perry, M.S.

Research Interests