Eliciting Intuitive Interactions for Whole-Body Natural User Interfaces
Summer 2014
Conceptualized, planned, and conducted a study of novice and expert users of whole-body natural user interfaces (e.g. Microsoft Kinect). This MA thesis work from the School of Interactive Arts + Technology (SIAT) at Simon Fraser University investigated how users expect balance-based image dichotomies to react to their bodies’ movements, and whether those actions correspond to known metaphoric, isomorphic, or conventional mappings.
Quantifying Physical Strategies in Tangible Tasks
Fall 2013
Assisted with a study of how Canadian, Dutch, and Korean participants use their hands to perform epistemic actions that assist with physical tasks such as jigsaw and pentomino puzzles. Assisted a team of researchers from the School of Interactive Arts + Technology (SIAT) at Simon Fraser University, Eindhoven University of Technology, and University of Madeira in the process of video coding to determine study results. The research was presented and published at the 2014 Computer-Human Interaction (CHI) Conference.
Children’s Collaboration in a Tabletop Game for Change
Summer 2013
Assisted with a study of how elementary-aged children collaborate while using Youtopia, a multi-touch, tangible user interface focusing on environmental planning and resource management. Led a team of researchers from the School of Interactive Arts + Technology (SIAT) at Simon Fraser University in the process of video coding to determine study results. The research was presented and published at the 2014 Interaction Design and Children (IDC) Conference.
Nonverbal Communication in Collaborative Video Games
Spring 2013
Conceptualized, planned, and conducted a mixed-methods study on how players use their hands to communicate information while playing a custom-made, two-player version of the classic game Snake. The research evolved from coursework of the School of Interactive Arts + Technology (SIAT) at Simon Fraser University. The research was presented and published at the 2013 Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) International Games Innovation Conference (IGIC).
Digital Commons
Spring 2012
Conceptualized Digital Commons, an online social platform for The Creative Media & Digital Culture Program (CMDC) students at Washington State University Vancouver. The project’s start stemmed from the question, “What if school was more like a game?” Digital Commons assigns achievements for course completion, community service, and other constructive pursuits in order to build community, showcase effort, and increase involvement within The CMDC Program.
HASTAC Scholar
Fall 2011
Nominated by supervising professor Dr. Dene Grigar to become a Humanities, Arts, Science, and Technology Advanced Collaboratory (HASTAC) Scholar. This program is comprised of graduate and undergraduate students engaged with innovative projects and research at the intersection of digital media and learning, 21st century education, the digital humanities, and technology in the arts, humanities, and sciences.
Mobile Tech Research Initiative
Summer 2011
Acted as Research Assistant to the Director of the Mobile Tech Research Initiative (MTRI) at Washington State University Vancouver, an intensive 12-week program focused on teaching the design and development of mobile applications. This effort by The Creative Media & Digital Culture Program (CMDC) introduced a new local creative industry- the creation of mobile apps for small businesses. The work was presented at the 2011 International Digital Media and Arts Association (IDMAa) Conference.
MOVE Lab Fellow
Fall 2010
Participated in a team of advanced undergraduates working in Dr. Dene Grigar’s Motion-Tracking Virtual Environment (MOVE) Lab at Washington State University Vancouver (WSU Vancouver). The MOVE Lab is used for the production of sensor-based multimedia experiences, including performances, digital storytelling, exhibits, and physical games. The MOVE Lab Fellows’ work culminated in the creation of Media Scare, an all-digital interpretation of the haunted house. In addition to being featured in campus publications and local news articles, Media Scare was one of the five projects that earned WSU Vancouver an Honorable Mention award at the 2010 International Digital Media and Arts Association (IDMAa) Conference’s Student Showcase.