I am a PhD Student at the University of California - Irvine. I work with and am co-advised by Drs. Gillian Hayes and Melissa Mazmanian in the Informatics Department, where my research includes studying technology in use and designing human-centered technologies. I am a member of the following organizations: Social and Technological Action Research Group, Laboratory for Ubiquitous Computing and Interaction, and the digital/cultural/mobile research entity.
I have a M.S. in Human-Computer Interaction and Design from Indiana University, where I was a part of the Cultural Research in Technology group, and advised by Dr. S. Bardzell. I also have a BS in Computer Information Systems and Web and Digitial Media Development from the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point, where I was advised by Dr. Ellertson.
Research Interests:
My research explores the enactments and design of socio-technical systems and their emergent practices, with a focus the intersection between low-income populations and eGovernment endeavors. I seek to better understand how technology and design can play a role in the reduction of food insecurity, including the role of the community in providing assistance with eGovernment endeavors. I’m particularly interested in the context of American poverty, and the themes of power, empowerment, politics, ethics, and advocacy in the design and enactment of socio-technical systems.
Current Research Projects:
eGovernment and Community-Based Outreach [with Amy Voida, Melissa Mazmanian, and Gillian Hayes]
I conduct fieldwork with nonprofits who conduct outreach for governmental assistance programs. Within this work I examine the role of different community partners in eGovernment initiatives and the different kinds of work of nonprofits engage in to make eGovernment solutions viable for low-income populations.
Project Hestia: Anteater Feeder [with Research Assistants: Robert Rodriguez and Minhnhut Thanh Vo; formerly Lucas Kam]
I'm working with community partners in examining how technology can be designed and developed at the community level to assist people facing food insecurity. In particular, this project first seeks to create a community portal and directory for individuals seeking food assistance. The second part of the project aims to create partnerships between organizations seeking to reduce food insecurity.
Previous Research Projects:
EMR: Electronic Medical Records Project [with Gillian Hayes, Leslie Liu]
Designer Framework with Digital Memories Project [with Shaowen Bardzell]
Feminist Interaction Design [with S. Bardzell, J. Bardzell, et al.]
Intimacy and the Tabletop [with Shaowen Bardzell, Rachel Bolton, Jason de Ruña, Sheng-bo Chen]
[Video Interactive Tabletops and Surfaces Submission]