I am a computer scientist and design researcher at Microsoft, where my work is focused on improving how people collaborate and get work done together. Previously, I conducted research on AI-powered knowledge management systems to support community-based organizations serving underserved and marginalized populations.

As a researcher, I am deeply committed to understanding and improving people’s experiences with technology. With a background spanning computer science, human-computer interaction, and participatory design, I examine how intelligent systems can be designed to be not only technically robust but also equitable, context-sensitive, and empowering. My research interests include human-AI collaboration, AI literacy, and designing inclusive systems that amplify community expertise.

Current work

At Microsoft, I investigate how intelligent systems can facilitate more inclusive, collaborative, and productive work environments. My research approach combines ethnographic methods, in-depth interviews, and co-design workshops to uncover people’s needs and envision AI-powered tools that integrate smoothly into their workflows. Skilled at communicating research insights and aligning stakeholders around user-centered visions, I aim to design AI systems that are practical, meaningful, and socially responsible.

Past work

During my doctoral studies at the University of Notre Dame, my dissertation titled “Strengthening Communities: Designing AI for Knowledge Synthesis and Transfer in Social Services” focused on designing AI-powered knowledge management tools for community social service workers. Using participatory design and ethnographic methods, I explored the information practices and challenges faced by frontline organizations to co-create tools that enhance their capacity and impact. Before that, I earned an MS in Computer Science from Boise State University, where I was part of the People and Information Research Team, examining the design of systems that support children in online search environments.

Education

I received my Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Notre Dame in 2025, co-advised by Dr. Ronald Metoyer and Dr. Karla Badillo-Urquiola. My doctoral work was recognized with the 2025 Social Justice Award from the Graduate School at the University of Notre Dame and the 2025 NCWIT Aspirations in Computing Collegiate Award. I also hold an M.S. in Computer Science from Boise State University.

Beyond research, I am passionate about mentoring and advancing AI literacy, particularly in the Global South. I continue to mentor students and early-career researchers as they navigate their own paths in computing and HCI.

Publications and recognition

My work has been published and presented at premier venues including CHI, CSCW, IDC, ICSE, and FAccT, and has been supported by the Jessie Ball duPont Foundation and the National Science Foundation (NSF). You can find all of my peer-reviewed scientific research articles on Google Scholar.

Latest news

• 2025-03
  Big news!!! I was selected as one of the Honorable Mentions for the NCWIT Aspirations in Computing 2025 Collegiate Award!!! More details here.
• 2025-03
  Big news!!! My dissertation won the 2025 Social Justice award at the University of Notre Dame!!! More details here.
• 2025-03
  Defended my dissertation titled "Strengthening Communities: Designing AI for Knowledge Synthesis and Transfer in Social Services." I am now a Dr. of Computer Science!!!
• 2025-03
  Great news!!! Two papers accepted at CSCW 2025. One is a first-authored paper titled "We aren't very sophisticated: An Ethnographic Study of Knowledge Management in Community Social Services." The other is a second-authored paper titled "Online Safety for All: Sociocultural Insights from a Systematic Review of Youth Online Safety in the Global South."
• 2024-10
  Happy to share that our paper "Exploring Knowledge Sharing and Community of Practice Development: A Stakeholders Analysis of Social Service Organizations in a Midwestern Underserved Community" has been accepted to the GROUP 2025 Poster track!!!
• 2024-07
  Thrilled to share that our paper "Examining Mainstream News Media Narratives on Youth Online Safety" has been accepted to the CSCW 2024 Poster track!!! See you all in Costa Rica.
• 2024-03
  Great news! My submission to the #CHI2024 Doctoral Consortium was accepted. I will be presenting my doctoral research titled "Strengthening Communities: Towards AI-Empowered Knowledge Management for Community Social Services."
• 2024-01
  Exciting News!!! Our paper "Cultural Considerations in AI Systems for the Global South: A Systematic Review" is now available in ACM DL! This paper can be accessed here.
• 2024-01
  Thrilled to share that our paper "Integrating Expertise in LLMs: Crafting a Customized Nutrition Assistant with Refined Template Instructions" was accepted at #CHI2024!!! This work was co-authored with my peers, Annalisa Szymanski and Brianna Wimer!
• 2023-11
  I passed my PhD oral candidacy exam! Now a Doctoral Candidate!!!
• 2023-11
  I delivered an invited talk at the Center for Brain, AI & Child at the University of Colorado, Boulder, and presented on "Participatory Research and Ethics of Working with Communities for AI Research" in Dr. Tom Yeh's lab!!!
• 2023-08
  I presented our work "Exploring the Barriers and Potential Opportunities of Technology Integration in Community-based Social Service Organizations" at ACM COMPASS in Cape Town, South Africa!!!
• 2023-04
  I presented our work "Characterizing the Technology Needs of Vulnerable Populations for Participation in Research and Design by Adopting Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs" at CHI2023 in Hamburg, Germany!!!

Travel

• 2023-11-08 to 2023-11-10
  Invited Talk in the Center for Brain, AI, & Child - Boulder, Colorado, USA.
• 2023-09-13 to 2023-09-15
  TAPIA 2023 - Dallas, Texas, USA.
• 2023-08-16 to 2023-08-21
  COMPASS 2023 - Cape Town, South Africa.
• 2023-04-23 to 2023-04-28
  CHI 2023 - Hamburg, Germany.
• 2022-05-30 to 2022-08-22
  Internship at Microsoft - Redmond, Washington, USA.
• 2022-04-30 to 2022-05-06
  CHI 2022 - New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.
• 2022-03-24 to 2022-03-26
  Cra Grad Cohort for IDEALS - San Diego, California, USA.
• 2019-08-08 to 2019-08-11
  NSBC Conference - Atlanta, Georgia, USA.