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"I’m interested in studying how people interact with AI, the impacts AI has at the individual, societal, and global levels, and how we can better prepare for the changes AI is bringing to the world."
Can you briefly go over your academic and professional journey?
Can you briefly go over your academic and professional journey?
I completed my B.S. in Computer Science at UC Irvine. There, I was a UC LEADS (UC Leadership Excellence through Advanced Degrees) Scholar, which is what first got me involved in research.
My first research experience was in the field of human-computer interaction and learning sciences in the Creativity Labs with Dr. Kylie Peppler. As an undergraduate student researcher, I explored computational thinking practices and gestures in the context of matrix math and I investigated how incorporating AI technology into education could support personalized learning, creativity, and language acquisition.
The following summer, I participated in the UC San Diego STARS program (Summer Training Academy for Research Success), where I worked with Dr. Michael Coblenz in the UCSD Computer Science & Engineering department. There, I explored computational scientific programming research.
What inspired you to pursue a graduate degree?
What inspired you to pursue a graduate degree?
During my undergrad, I was genuinely unsure about what I wanted to do with my degree after graduating. I couldn’t picture myself committing to an industry job right away and I knew I enjoyed learning, so I was looking for an opportunity that would allow me to explore my interests and do meaningful work at the same time. I also enjoyed my research experience in Creativity Labs so much that it became clear I wanted to pursue a PhD.
"I want to continue asking meaningful questions about human relationships with technology."
How would you describe your main research focus to someone outside your field?
How would you describe your main research focus to someone outside your field?
My research sits at the intersection of human-computer interaction, learning sciences, and games. I’m interested in studying how people interact with AI, the impacts AI has at the individual, societal, and global levels, and how we can better prepare for the changes AI is bringing to the world.
How did your interests lead you to your current research area in Computational Media/HCI?
How did your interests lead you to your current research area in Computational Media/HCI?
I had never heard of Computational Media until I came across this program. I had been looking for an interdisciplinary program that would allow me to research at the intersection of technology and people, which is why I felt that this program would be a good fit for me. I was also intrigued to explore the world of games and how they can be leveraged in learning.
What has been the most rewarding or exciting moment in your research so far?
What has been the most rewarding or exciting moment in your research so far?
The most exciting moment in my research so far was being accepted into the 2023 ACM Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI) Student Research Competition. I was still an undergraduate at the time, and I honestly hadn’t expected that to be possible. It really helped me realize that I was capable of rigorous research and ready for a graduate program.
"My research sits at the intersection of human-computer interaction, learning sciences, and games."
What are your career goals now that you've completed your degree?
What are your career goals now that you've completed your degree?
Honestly, I’m not sure yet. What I do know is that I want to continue asking meaningful questions about human relationships with technology. I’m open to pursuing opportunities in academia, industry research, or somewhere in between.
What would you say to students who are considering joining our lab?
What would you say to students who are considering joining our lab?
This is a really awesome lab! Everyone here is welcoming and genuinely happy to help. My advice would be to just reach out to someone in the lab and they’ll definitely be interested in chatting with you!
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