Experienced Software Developer and Researcher with 6+ years of combined experience driving innovation in software development and human-centered computing. Exploring how virtual agents can be made more trustworthy, appropriate, and engaging for various applications.
Combining academic inquiry with practical software development to create more human-centered technologies.
I'm a Ph.D. candidate in Human-Centered Computing at the University of Florida, where I focus on making Embodied Virtual Agents more human-like and responsive to user needs. My research explores how these agents can understand and respond to human emotions, preferences, and behaviors, creating interactions that feel natural and meaningful.
With a Master's in Computer Science from the University of Florida and a Bachelor's in Computer Science from Utah State University, I bring a strong technical foundation to my research in human-agent interaction. I'm particularly interested in using machine learning to enhance the adaptability and emotional intelligence of virtual agents, designing for diverse user needs and abilities.
Exploring the frontiers of human-agent interaction and emotionally intelligent systems.
I research how to make virtual agents more trustworthy, appropriate, and engaging across various applications. My current work includes companion agents where I analyze conversation patterns and user behaviors, exploring how these agents can provide meaningful interaction while positively influencing user experience.
Using machine learning models to analyze physiological signals for predicting interruptibility and cognitive load states. My research in this area has achieved 72.5% accuracy in predicting optimal moments for system interruptions, enhancing the responsiveness of intelligent interfaces to human cognitive states.
I've developed augmented reality task guidance systems for the HoloLens 2, focusing on cooking applications. This research explores how spatial computing can provide intuitive assistance for complex sequential tasks while respecting user autonomy and accommodating different skill levels.
Recent contributions to the academic discourse on human-centered computing.
Proceedings of Graphics Interface 2025
This study examines user preferences for virtual agent configurations in AR headsets. With 48 participants using the Microsoft HoloLens 2, we tested various agent positions, sizes, and gaze directions. Results showed a preference for male agents, while no consistent preference emerged for position or gaze direction, contributing to design guidelines for virtual agents in AR environments.
Proceedings of the 2024 ACM Designing Interactive Systems Conference (DIS '24), pp. 2006-2018
This study examines user needs for task guidance systems through contextual inquiry in home kitchens. Through affinity diagramming of observations, we identified common obstacles and established user needs in object interaction, safety, knowledge base, and task coordination. These findings inform the design of technology-driven solutions for task guidance systems beyond cooking contexts.
Proceedings of the 23rd ACM International Conference on Intelligent Virtual Agents, pp. 1-4
This study examines how nonverbal mirroring affects a virtual agent's motivational effectiveness. Comparing three agent types, we found the mirroring agent was more motivating than a non-responsive agent, though awareness of mimicry could trigger negative user reactions, highlighting important considerations for designing virtual agent behaviors.
Side projects where I experiment with new technologies and pursue creative coding challenges.
An Airbnb-inspired platform designed specifically for the Bolivian market, connecting travelers with local accommodations throughout Bolivia.
A crowdfunding platform tailored for Bolivian communities with integrated local payment methods, enabling support for community initiatives and projects.
Developed and maintained a responsive website for Evalue, a financial consulting firm. Ensured cross-device compatibility and implemented SEO best practices.
I'm always interested in collaborations, questions about my research, or just a good conversation.