What about her?
I am currently a masters student of Human Computer Interaction at the University of Michigan School of Information, slated to graduate in 2009. I am also a research assistant on the Shape Factory research project with Ayse Buyuktar in Judy Olson and Gary Olson's lab. In December 2007, I completed two group projects: a volunteer social networking site which has been accepted as a semifinalist in the 2008 CHI Student Design Competition, and a systems analysis of idea-sharing for the Design and Technology Fusion Group at General Motors. Before returning to graduate school, I ran Lost Art Media, a graphic and web design studio in Ithaca, NY. Click here for my complete resume.
Research Interests: Cognition, Creativity and Computing
I'm interested in how we can apply an understanding of situated cognition to the design of work and play systems that increase creativity and collaboration. I'm also interested in ubiquitous computing, and the optimal placement of technology in the cognitive and social landscape. I'm hoping to write a masters thesis on these topics in late 2008.
Web & Graphic Design
I founded Lost Art Media, a web and graphic design one-woman-band (with occasional guest stars) in Ithaca, NY, in 2002. See a sample of my websites, print materials and logos here. My skills include graphic design, information architecture, markup, programming, branding, and marketing. I like elegant code, user-centered design, and expressive but judicious graphics.
Usability Analysis
I'm currently conducting a usability analysis of Google Maps for Mobile for a class at the University of Michigan. Techniques include a general transition network, personas and scenarios, competitive analysis, literature research for areas of innovation, a user survey, heuristic evaluation, usability testing, and a vocabulary and visual analysis.
Human-Computer Interaction Reseach
Shape Factory, Judy Olson and Gary Olson's Research Lab
I am working as a research assistant, collecting data on computer-supported cooperative work using an online game called Shape Factory that simulates a distributed business environment where communication and collaboration are key to success.
Eye Tracking Project, Cornell HCI Lab
I worked on two studies of search behavior in Google, Yahoo and Ask, using eye-tracking technology. We investigated user response to refinements presentation and altered results order.
CHI 2008 Student Design Competition, 2nd Place
Through literature research, interviewing, modelling, ideation, and prototyping, my team developed a social network application that connects volunteers with each other and with organizations that serve the homeless, to help agencies more efficiently recruit and retain volunteers. Out of 43 entries, ours won second place, after three rounds of judging. Click here to see our team's website or here to read our submission paper.
Data Retrieval and Analysis
In the fall of 2007, I learned to gather, parse, process and analyze large data sets using Perl, command-line utilities, sql queries and C and python scripts. Techniques include log analysis, graphing, data modeling, text-parsing, language processing, and clustering. Displays created in R and IBM's Many Eyes. Click here for examples of my programming for the class.
User Needs Analysis with Contextual Inquiry
My team conducted a 3-month user needs analysis for the Design and Technology Group at General Motors. We analyzed current work practices and generated recommendations for digital and analog improvements. Techniques included in-depth interviewing, data modeling, an affinity diagram, brainstorming, evaluation of solutions, and verbal and written delivery of recommendations to client.
Once upon a time...
Research Project Leader, Cornell Lab of Ornithology 2001-2002
I redefined field methods and data gathering systems for the avian ecology portion of the Willow Biomass Project. Managed data from 14 field sites and prepared it for final analysis. Supervised two field assistants. Wrote interim reports for funding agencies and collaborating scientists.
Freelance Journalist for NPR Programming
I worked as Associate Producer for Worlds of Difference from 2002-2003. I also wrote and produced stories for NPR programs, including Morning Edition (one story), Earth and Sky, Nature Watch and the Ithaca Radio Hour from 2001 to 2004.