Research Experience

(x)Ability Lab, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, USA

Research Assistant (Aug. 2023 - Present)

  • Managed the MAIDR Project as a Project Manager and Human-Computer Interaction Researcher, conducting user testing to conduct in-depth user research, integrating Large Language Models to explain STEM-related graphs to Blind and Low Vision Individuals, enhancing accessibility in education.
  • Led the development of an innovative VR table-tennis game on the Unity Engine, tailored for low-vision individuals, revolutionizing sports training through inclusive technology, allowing them to play a immersive game.
  • Designed the interface for the Personalized Conversational Health Agent (PCHA), an accessible health agent powered by GPT-4, and participated in internal testing and debugging, addressing potential database-related issues to ensure smooth operation.

Technologies for Ageing Gracefully Lab, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

Student Researcher (Feb. 2023 - Jul. 2023)

  • Explored the privacy concerns of older adults in smart home environments, focusing on voice-controlled agent interactions, improving user trust and acceptance of smart technologies.
  • Devised strategies to mitigate technological anxiety among older adults, creating user-friendly voice and touch interface prototypes, enhancing user experience and adoption.
  • Performed an extensive review of the technological landscape of VUIs, assessing market trends and advancements, informing the development of user-centric VUI designs.
  • Produced the layout of a responsive conversational agent (VUI) catered to older adults’ needs, increasing accessibility and usability through HCI research methods.

Manipal Academy of Higher Education - Dubai Campus, Dubai, UAE

Teaching Assistant (Apr. 2022 - Feb. 2023)

  • Conducted Problem-Solving Using Computers (PSUC) Course Lab for 46 students, improving practical computing skills.
  • Assisted in MTech Thesis Projects on blockchain applications in the donation and construction industries, enhancing transparency and efficiency.

OpenUAE Research Group, University of Sharjah, UAE

Reinforcement Learning Research Intern (Jul. 2022 - Sep. 2022)

  • Executed a Systematic Literature Review on Digital Twins in aviation, presenting findings to the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority, guiding their digital integration strategies.
  • Innovated a trading algorithm using Reinforcement Learning for automating FOREX trading (through Japanese Candle-sticks data), optimizing decision-making processes, improving trading efficiency by 17%.

Pucho Inc., Remote - based in Delhi, India

UX Researcher (Jul. 2021 - Sep. 2021)

  • Performed qualitative persona creation for the financially disadvantaged demographic, providing valuable insights for user-centric design.
  • Led the interface design for overcoming language barriers in pan-India trials, emphasizing inclusivity and accessibility, specifically for the Blind and Visually Impaired (BVI) community, increasing engagement by 31%.
  • Storyboarded user experiences to understand accurate health information transmission during the COVID-19 pandemic, improving public health communications allowing reduced misinformation. 45 out of 100 participants of the beta-trial reported better understanding of protocols and resources.