Faculty
|
Foad Hamidi
Lab Director, Assistant Professor
Dr. Hamidi is an Assistant Professor in the Information Systems Department at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). His research is focused on the participatory design and evaluation of emerging systems. He is also interested in designing inclusive and sustainable maker processes, tools and programs for diverse communities. Dr. Hamidi has worked on a number of international research and design projects in the United States , Canada, Kenya, Mexico, Bhutan, and Spain. He regularly collaborates with artists, activists, therapists, special education teachers, and other collaborators on diverse projects. He has a PhD in Computer Science from the Lassonde School of Engineering at York University in Toronto, Canada.
|
|
Nora McDonald
Affiliated Research Faculty
I'm a postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Information Systems at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), with a PhD in Information Science from Drexel University College of Computing and Informatics where I studied internet privacy and anonymity. My research interests are broadly in social justice and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and Computer-Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW). I use primarily qualitative and ethnographic methods to study technology bias, algorithm fairness and ethics in education and industry, and privacy for vulnerable individuals.
|
Current Students
|
William Easley
Doctoral Student, Human-Centered Computing
William Easley is a Ph.D. student in the Human-Centered Computing Program in the Department of Information Systems at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). His broad research interests are in the area of computer-supported cooperative work. His dissertation research seeks to understand how youth collaborate in technical workplaces and investigate how technology can be better designed to address challenges that they may encounter. Prior to working on this topic, he has conducted research in other areas including accessibility and engineering education. He holds a B.S. degree in Information Systems and a M.S. degree in Human-Centered Computing, both from UMBC.
|
|
Lydia Stamato
Doctoral Student, Human-Centered Computing
Lydia Stamato is a PhD student in the Human-Centered Computing program at UMBC. She is interested in youth and education, living media interfaces, and the role of ecological systems in technology design and use. Her research priorities include accessibility, participatory design and community-based research, and environmental and cultural sustainability. Lydia taught English at a vocational school for students with disabilities in Guangzhou, China and coordinated an international study of gender norms and adolescent well-being. She holds an MS from UMBC and an MSPH from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
|
|
Serena Gyi
Masters Student, Human-Centered Computing
Serena is a Masters student in the Human-Centered Computing program at UMBC. She is interested in using technology to encourage people to engage with their outdoor surroundings, as well as investigating the potential to use that engagement to assist environmental protection and urban development efforts. She previously worked for a educational video game startup, and prior to that was an electrical engineer for the US Navy's Nuclear Power Program. She holds a BS in electrical engineering from Auburn University, Alabama
|
|
Kai Wisner
Undergraduate Student, Mechanical EngineeringKai Wisner studies mechanical engineering and enjoys design work and problem solving. Kai is a member of the men's UMBC swimming and diving team. Beyond studying and the pool Kai designs and builds rc airplanes and races nitro rc cars.
|
|
Zulekha KarachiwallaUndergraduate Student, Computer Engineering
Zulekha Karachiwalla is an undergraduate student studying computer engineering at UMBC. Her research interests are in the area of medical robotics and assistive technology, and specifically looking at the access to these resources within minority and disadvantaged communities. Currently, her research in the DARE lab focuses on the refugee population in Maryland and the obstacles they face with accessing healthcare and medical assistance. Within her community Zulekha participates and helps run a local mentorship program for high school girls at her local mosque in Baltimore. In her free time she enjoys painting, playing flute and basketball.
|
|
Rushaad Wright
Undergraduate Student, Business Technology Administration
Rushaad Wright is an undergraduate student studying Business Technology Administration at UMBC. Rushaad is an avid problem-solver with a strong interest in technology and using it to make effective and positive change in today’s world. Currently, he interns at a non profit where he conducts data and market analysis. In his free time, Rushaad can be found reading or practicing either Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or Judo.
|
|
Daniel Laguna
Undergraduate Student, Information Systems
Daniel is studying Information Systems at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. His current research on Project Waves in the DARE lab responds to Covid-19 in Baltimore City by investigating a community-based approach to deploying free broadband Internet for low-income populations. He works on helping to improve computer accessibility for seniors by setting up their smart devices and aiding in increasing user confidence. During his free time Daniel enjoys playing the drums, hiking, and sailing.
|
|
Karina Lopez
Undergraduate Student, Information Systems
Karina Lopez is an international student in Information Systems at UMBC. She’s also pursuing Certificates in Cybersecurity Informatics and Network Administration. Her personal mission is to grow professionally and spiritually to be able to help others in need. She enjoys finding solutions to problems or difficult situations. Her interests are focused on supporting research targeted towards children, women, and disadvantaged communities. She is a Cyber scholar in the Center for Women in Technology (CWIT). Within CWIT, she has volunteered in activities dedicated to empowering girls and women. She has participated in mentorship and given talks at all-girls schools. In her free time, she teaches religious education to children on Sunday mornings. Her hobbies include listening to music, reading, playing soccer, and spending time with family.
|
Alumni
|
S. Nisa Asgarali-HoffmanGraduate Student, Human-Centered ComputingNisa Asgarali-Hoffman is pursuing a master of science degree in Human-Centered Computing at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Her research interests include youth-centered participatory design and the intersectionality of race, gender, class, and HCI. She holds an A.A. degree in studio art from Howard Community College, a B.A. degree in International Area Studies from Drexel University, a B.A. in Art Education (K-12) from Towson University, and a graduate certification in Interactive Media Design from Towson University.
|
|
Jason CharneyGraduate Student, Intermedia and Digital ArtsJason Charney holds an Intermedia and Digital Arts MFA degree from UMBC. His artwork with sound, objects, and light explores feedback, technology-aided interaction, and architectural space. He holds degrees in music theory and composition from the University of Kansas and Bowling Green State University.
|
|
Amy L. FreelandGraduate Student, Human-Centered ComputingAmy Freeland holds a MS in Human-Centered Computing from UMBC. She currently works for a law firm in Maryland. Her research interests are assistive technology as it pertains to individuals with multiple disabilities, understanding how technology can aid in the sustainability of makerspaces or DIY spaces, and inclusive access to technology for underrepresented individuals and groups. She holds a B.A in Business Technology Administration from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and an A.A.S. in Paralegal Studies from Frederick Community College.
|
|
Emily LongGraduate Student, Human-Centered ComputingEmily holds a MS in Human Centered Computing at UMBC. She is currently employed as a User Experience Designer at Northrop Grumman. She is interested in researching Assistive Technologies and specifically how they help people on the Autism Spectrum communicate and take part in social activities. She has an A.A. in General Studies from Howard Community College, and a B.S. in English Writing from Towson University. Outside of work and studying, Emily enjoys spending time with her husband and many animals, including 2 dogs, 2 cats, 2 horses, 7 chickens, and approximately 20,000 honey bees.
|
|
Sruti VijaykumarGraduate Student, Human-Centered ComputingSruti holds a MS in Human-Centered Computing at UMBC and works at UserWorks as a User Experience Specialist. She has a special interest in designing for accessibility and has hands-on experience in conducting usability tests with participants who have blindness, low-vision, motor impairments, and cerebral palsy. Sruti has a Bachelor of Computer Engineering degree from Savitribai Phule Pune University, India. |
|
Mikhail DorfmanUndergraduate StudentMikhail Dorfman studies mathematics and statistics but enjoys making devices that can perform some mathematics and statistics. Beyond studying Mikhail develops software and creates digitally altered experiences.
|