Position: Associate Professor of Computer Science; Associate Director, Graphics, Visualization, and Usability Research Center; Faculty Coordinator, Human-Computer Interaction Master's Program
Department: College of Computing

Area of Specialization:
"My research field is human-computer interaction, or HCI. I study the ever-changing relationship between people and computing technologies. Topics include how technology in the home can aid older adults, how people use cell phones equipped with cameras, and creating better computer interfaces for designers."

Special Projects:
"I have eight great Ph.D. students, and each of their research projects is interesting and engaging. Some new projects on the horizon include Dude's Magic Box and our research at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Jim Rowan is working on Dude's Magic Box, whose goal is to encourage young children to communicate with family members, especially their grandparents, who they do not get to see often. The box allows children to communicate via objects instead of requiring verbal or written communication. The kids arrange objects in the box, the box takes a picture of the objects, the children can add comments to the pictures, and then have 'Dude' carry it to the recipient. 'Dude' is an animated character who lives in the box and helps encourage the children to continue sending pictures to their grandparents."

"Also, our studies of collaboration in the workplace may take an interesting turn. We have the opportunity to work with the CDC to understand the role of technology in supporting CDC teams who are responding to a bioterrorism threat. The problem is challenging in many dimensions. For example, CDC teams are spread throughout the country and are working around the clock."

Campus/Student Involvement:
As the faculty coordinator for the HCI master's program, I spend a bunch of time with these talented students. The diversity of their backgrounds, goals, and activities at Georgia Tech is truly amazing. Each year my lab hosts undergraduates who want to work on our research projects. It's great to see all the students learning from each other.