尤物视频

Doctoral student in the

Tell us a little about yourself, including what inspires you to learn and continue in your chosen field

I am a PhD student with a deep interest in understanding how Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) can drive meaningful change in our society by promoting user-centered technology design. My journey began when I realized the potential of HCI to address the needs of self-directed learners who often rely on online informational resources to learn new and complex skills.  I鈥檝e always been motivated by the idea that people can be empowered by designing technology in a way that supports people in gaining, understanding, and leveraging knowledge for their personal growth.

Why did you choose to come to SFU?

I was drawn to SFU because of its prominence in HCI research and its commitment to the interdisciplinary research environment. I was thrilled to learn about all the professors and diverse HCI teams operating out of SFU and the impactful work they do to inform the design of future technology and how they involve people鈥檚 voices in co-designing the technology. This is what inspired me to change tracks from software engineering in the industry and shift to design and research and SFU seemed like a promising place to start on that track.

How would you describe your research or your program to a family member?

I like to explain my work in the simplest terms possible: 鈥淚 talk and engage with people who use various technology tools for specific purposes to understand what their needs and challenges are while using those tools and use the insights gained to improve designs or invent new solutions to meet those needs.鈥� By stripping away the jargon and focusing on why the work matters, I find my family can better relate to its value.

What three (3) keywords would you use to describe your research?

Human-centered, Interdisciplinary, Participatory

How have your courses, RA-ships, TA-ships, or non-academic school experiences contributed to your academic and/or professional development?

I鈥檝e had the privilege of being a Research Assistant in the Interactive Experiences Lab (SFU, Burnaby) under the supervision of Dr. Parmit Chilana, which honed my abilities in qualitative and design-based research methods. Collaborating closely with faculty and peers, I learned how to formulate research questions and design user studies that push the boundaries of our field. Beyond academic roles, volunteering in STEM and WiCs workshops, especially for girls and youth, that helped me develop leadership and project management skills. These experiences have shaped my ability to communicate complex ideas, lead teams, and balance multiple projects - skills that are crucial to my success in graduate school and beyond

What have been the most valuable lessons you've learned along your graduate student journey (or in becoming a graduate student)?

Embrace failure and rejections as part of the process 鈥� Research isn鈥檛 a straight line. There will be times when progress will seem excruciatingly slow, but as long as you are trying and are open to feedback, you are on the right track. Seek mentorship early and often 鈥� Having mentors who guide and challenge you is invaluable. They help shape your perspective and open doors you didn鈥檛 know existed. Seek a multitude of perspectives to grow your own. Collaborate instead of compete 鈥� Research cannot be done in isolation. Sharing ideas and working in teams can spark creativity and yield richer insights than going it alone. Engaging with the community you aim to impact is even more crucial. Balance persistence with flexibility 鈥� Sticking to your goals and hitting milestones is important, but staying open-minded and factoring in that there may be some detours along the way while you explore new approaches can lead to even better outcomes.

How do you approach networking and building connections in and outside of your academic community?

My strategy is to connect authentically by showing genuine interest in others鈥� work and offering help or insights whenever I can. I attend conferences, seminars, and social events to meet peers, faculty, and professionals in related fields and take the opportunity to connect with them one-on-one. I was once told by a senior researcher during one such one-on-one interaction at a conference, that it鈥檚 more important to forge a friendship with a person, and the work will automatically follow. I live by that mantra.

What are some tips for balancing your academic and personal life?

Set realistic goals and milestones: Break down big tasks into manageable steps, and acknowledge small wins - and keep communicating these targets and progresses with the team/supervisor so that they are all informed. Schedule downtime: Reserve time each day or week to recharge鈥攖his might be exercise, reading, or just relaxing with friends. But prioritize periods of deep rest (meditation, naps, sleep times) Establish boundaries: Keep clear start-and-stop times for work whenever possible. Stay organized: Use a planner or digital tool to keep track of deadlines, meetings, and personal commitments. Communicate needs: Last but not least, if you鈥檙e feeling overwhelmed, reach out to peers, mentors, or professional services for support.

If you could dedicate your research to anyone (past, present and/or future), who would that be and why?

My parents - their unwavering support and belief in my abilities gave me the confidence to pursue graduate studies. Their encouragement has been the foundation of my academic journey, and I hope my work honors their influence in my life.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

I am thrilled to have the chance to experience 3MT as it gave me the chance to really reflect on the impact of my research and convey that to the broader audience in a way that would pique their interest and get them excited about it, just as much as I am about my work. It's a huge boost!

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