About

.txtlab is a laboratory for AI and storytelling at McGill University, directed by Andrew Piper.

We investigate storytelling as both a human practice and a computational problem. Our work brings together artificial intelligence, narrative theory, and citizen science to better understand how stories generate meaning, emotion, and moral perspective across cultures.

Rather than treating AI as a black box, we seek to design transparent, theory-driven models that make narrative structures interpretable and comparable at scale. From mapping character networks to analyzing multilingual story morals, narrative emotions, children’s illustrated books and much more, we explore how stories encode values and meaning across different cultural contexts.

Our students come from a wide range of disciplines — computer science, linguistics, literature, cultural studies, digital humanities, media studies, mathematics, and statistics — united by a shared interest in how AI can deepen our understanding of human storytelling.

If you are interested in working with me, you are encouraged to apply to our Master’s Program in Digital Humanities. If you are already at McGill and want to get involved, the best place to start is by taking one of my classes: LLCU 312 (AI and Storytelling) or LLCU 602 (Introduction to AI and the Humanities). If you already have experience with LLMs and data analysis and are comfortable doing independent work, then get in touch!

To learn more about past projects check out our publications and follow me on X @_akpiper.