Hi, I'm Mike Ion
I'm a researcher, educator, and technologist who develops statistical methods to measure and simulate effective teaching at scale. My work combines natural language processing, Bayesian modeling, and validated simulation to understand what makes instruction work.
Working with 5.5 million tutoring messages and validated annotation frameworks, I build classifiers that detect patterns predicting learning outcomes—breakthrough moments, scaffolding moves, and engagement dynamics. Then I use these measurements in simulation frameworks to test hypotheses about what instructional strategies support learning.
What drives me is the belief that rigorous statistical methods, when thoughtfully applied, can help us understand teaching and learning in ways that inform practice and policy.
My Approach
Measurement at Scale
I build statistical classifiers that capture subtle patterns in teaching and learning from massive conversational datasets (200K+ conversations). Using LLMs as feature extractors within statistical frameworks, I detect breakthrough moments, scaffolding moves, and engagement dynamics with validated reliability.
Validated Simulation
I use simulation-based calibration to test what teaching strategies actually work. By treating AI models as components within statistical frameworks (not black boxes), I can run hypothesis tests at scales impossible with human participants alone—distinguishing genuine learning from surface-level behavior.
Cross-Domain Validation
Methods matter when they generalize. I validate classification and temporal models across contexts: Discord tutoring, elementary classrooms (NCTE), and K-12 instruction (TalkMoves). This ensures findings transfer beyond the specific settings where they were developed.
Professional Journey
Postdoctoral Fellow in AI and Education
School of Information, University of Michigan
Researching the intersection of artificial intelligence and education, with a focus on using computational methods to enhance learning experiences.
Ph.D. in Mathematics Education
University of Michigan
Dissertation: "Beyond the Classroom: Exploring Mathematics Engagement in Online Communities with Natural Language Processing"
Mathematics Instructor
Various Settings
Taught mathematics and statistics in various capacities including workshop leader, lecturer, TA, and instructor.
Peace Corps Volunteer
Botswana
Taught middle and high school mathematics while immersing in the local culture and community.
M.S. in Mathematics
California Polytechnic State University
Focused on applied mathematics and teaching methodologies.
B.S. in Mathematics
California Polytechnic State University
Undergraduate studies in mathematics with a focus on pure mathematics.
Beyond Work
What I'm Reading
Some books I've been enjoying lately that explore different perspectives:
Invisible Women
by Caroline Criado Pérez
About this book
An eye-opening look at how data bias in design creates a world that ignores women's needs. Fascinating examples of how seemingly neutral systems often default to male perspectives.
Reading Lolita in Tehran
by Azar Nafisi
About this book
A memoir about teaching forbidden Western literature in Iran. Shows how books create spaces for personal freedom even in restrictive societies.
Poverty, by America
by Matthew Desmond
About this book
A thought-provoking look at how economic inequality persists despite abundance. Makes you think about systemic issues rather than individual ones.
Outside of Work
A few things I enjoy in my free time:
Hiking
I love exploring trails and spending time outdoors whenever I can.
Coding Projects
I enjoy tinkering with new programming languages and tools on personal projects.
Making Music
I play guitar and ukulele, and occasionally dabble with digital music production.
A small track I made:
