Cory Drummond Jr, MS

Ph.D. Researcher in Human-Agent Teaming | Trust Dynamics | Human-AI Collaboration | Team Science

Palm Bay, Florida, United States

About

I am an Industrial–Organizational Psychology Ph.D. student at Florida Institute of Technology studying the future of teamwork, leadership, and human performance in complex systems. Prior to beginning my doctoral studies, I served 14 years in the United States Air Force, gaining experience in leadership, instruction, workforce planning, personnel systems, and operational decision-making within high-pressure, mission-critical environments. Working alongside diverse teams across complex operational settings shaped my interest in understanding how people build trust, adapt, and perform when collaboration matters most. My research interests focus on Human-Agent Teaming (HAT), human-AI collaboration, leadership, trust and distrust dynamics, bidirectional and omnidirectional trust relationships, team adaptation, and the application of psychological science to emerging technologies. I am particularly interested in how principles from human-human teams can inform the design and effectiveness of future human-agent teams. Concepts such as reciprocity, perspective-taking, shared understanding, and the recognition that every teammate brings unique experiences and perceptions guide my interest in how trust develops and changes within complex team environments. Beyond research, I remain passionate about applying psychological science to real-world challenges involving leadership, workforce effectiveness, human performance, and organizational decision-making. My goal is to contribute research that strengthens collaboration between humans and emerging technologies while keeping human experience central to the future of work.

Experience

  • Graduate Research Assistant at Florida Institute of Technology
    Jun 2026 - Present · 2 mos

    Graduate Research Assistant

  • United States Air Force (On-site)
    • Flight Chief (Readiness/UDM)
      Nov 2025 - Jun 2026 · 8 mos

    • KC-135R/T In-Flight Refueling Craftsman (Instructor Boom Operator)
      Nov 2012 - Jun 2026 · 13 yrs 8 mos

      The role of an Air Force KC-135R In-Flight Refueling Instructor Boom Operator is highly specialized and critical for the success of aerial refueling missions. This position involves not only performing in-flight refueling operations but also instructing and mentoring other boom operators.

    • Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge Exercise and Inspections (XP/DOR)
      Mar 2025 - Nov 2025 · 9 mos

      Led a 200 personnel unit in preparing for inspections and exercises at the RAF Mildenhall Air Force Base. Collaborated with inspection softwares and the Wing inspection team to ensure readiness standards were met.

  • President at Center for Continuing Bonds
    Aug 2024 - Jun 2026 · 1 yr 11 mos

    Conducted research on attachment style predicting LLM chatbot usage for emotional support. • Analyzed data to identify trends and implications for policy and practice. • Investigated dynamics of emotional reliance on AI chatbots, contributing to literature on AI in emotional and social spheres.