Ashratuz Zavin Asha
Hi, I'm Asha, currently a third-year Ph.D. student in Computer Science at the University of Calgary. I work in the Interactions Lab (iLab) at the intersection of Human-Computer Interaction and Inclusive Design. I am advised by Dr. Ehud Sharlin and Dr. Sharifa Sultana. Dr. Helen Ai He and Dr. Sowmya Somanath are also on my Ph.D. committee. My research explores autonomous vehicle (AV) interfaces tailored for vulnerable and marginalized populations, emphasizing older adults and women. With a particular emphasis on inclusive mobility and safety for passengers, I design, implement, and evaluate human-machine interfaces to enhance trust and acceptability towards emerging AV technology. My past projects explored the emerging new domain of interaction between pedestrians and AVs, with a strong focus on designing accessible interfaces for vulnerable road users, including pedestrians with reduced mobility, such as wheelchair users and those with hearing impairments.
I apply an inclusive design approach leveraging mixed methods, including participatory designs (i.e., co-design), in-depth interviews, focus groups followed by design evaluations, and user studies. I utilize augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) environments to create and assess proof-of-concept interface prototypes. My research works have been published in top venues like CHI, DIS, TSC, and AutoUI. I have received prestigious awards for my academic excellence, including the Alberta Innovates and Eyes High Doctoral Scholarships.
Before UCalgary, I was a lecturer of Computer Science & Engineering (CSE) for two years at United International University and Eastern University in Bangladesh. I obtained my undergraduate degree in CSE from the Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), where my thesis work received the "Best Research Award."
News and Updates
January 2024: Paper on Interfaith learning through VR application has been accepted to CHI'24. (Research collaboration with Thirdspace Group at UofT)
November 2023: Received special recognition for outstanding review at CHI'24 paper reviewing cycle!
October 2023: Paper on Islamophobic content mitigation online has been accepted to TSC. (Research collaboration with Thirdspace Group)
July 2023: Visited Prof. Wendy Ju and her lab at Cornell Tech, New York City
July 2023: Presented VR demo on AV-passenger scenarios at DIS'23!
July 2023: Attended DIS at Pittsburg, USA, and visited the CMU HCII
May 2023: Hooray! Received "Best Poster Award" at GI'23!
April 2023: Our paper on older adults and AV interaction is conditionally accepted at DIS'23!
March 2023: Invited talk at CSRMP, Google's CS Research
Past Activities
October 2022: Attended MobileHCI'22 as a student volunteer in Vancouver, BC
September 2022: One paper is accepted at IEEE CW'22!
April 2022: Attended CHI in New Orleans, USA, and presented workshop paper at AutomationXP'22!
September 2021: Received the Alberta Innovates Graduate Student Scholarship at the University of Calgary
September 2021: Received the prestigious Eyes High Doctoral Recruitment Scholarship at the University of Calgary
September 2021: Started Ph.D. in Computer Science at the University of Calgary!
August 2021: Wahoo! Successfully defended master's in Computer Science at the University of Calgary!