Project 4:

PASCAL: Personal Assistant for Smoking Cessation with Artificial Intelligence and Large Language Models

A hand holding a cigarette over an ashtray.

Dr. Michael Kotlyar, professor at the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy, Dr. Serguei Pakhomov, professor at the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy, and Dr. Sandra Japuntich, clinical psychologist and senior investigator at Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute, are leading this project to assist individuals in quitting smoking. They will develop an adaptable virtual assistant employing artificial intelligence (AI) to support individuals in their journey to quit smoking. This initiative aims to increase access to proven smoking cessation methods, contributing to the prevention of related chronic conditions (RCC). The study team consists of experts in behavioral and pharmacological interventions for smoking cessation, including Drs. Paul Thuras, Anne Melzer, Warren McKinney, as well as Jane Schulz and study manager Sheena Dufresne.

Brick building covered in graffiti and there is graffiti on the street.

Project 4 aims to:

  1. Develop a novel and Personal Assistant for Smoking Cessation with Artificial intelligence and Large language models (PASCAL) for managing smoking triggers.

  2. Pilot test PASCAL to determine its feasibility, acceptability, and collect preliminary efficacy data.