Researchers

Norman Makoto Su
Lab Director

Norman is an associate professor of Computational Media in the Baskin School of Engineering at UC Santa Cruz. He is the Vice Chair of the MS HCI program at the Silicon Valley Campus. He is also an affiliate faculty of the Center for Labor and Community and Institute of Software Research. He does mixed-methods research in human–computer interaction (HCI) and computer–supported cooperative work (CSCW). He occasionally toots the Irish flute.

Rebecca Jonas
Postdoctoral Scholar

Rebecca Jonas is a Postdoctoral Scholar in the Computational Media Department at UC Santa Cruz. She received her PhD in Informatics from Penn State University. Her research utilizes qualitative methods to understand rural experiences with digital technology and envision how technology can promote justice and empowerment of marginalized communities. Outside of work, Rebecca enjoys gaming, crafting, and hiking with her dog.

Akash Chaudhary
PhD Student

Akash is a Computational Media PhD student at the University of California, Santa Cruz. He has worked for 3.5 years in the past as a UX/UI researcher with a focus on designing a speech improvement mobile application, as well as discovering dark design patterns on video streaming platforms. He is currently focused on exploring the problems faced by people living in rural areas of California due to gaps in computing and other infrastructure facilities. As side hobbies, he likes to explore novel AI architectures and write speculative fiction.

Rebecca Lietz
PhD Student

Rebecca is a PhD student in Computational Media at the University of California Santa Cruz. Her research combines aspects of computer science, psychology, and design to develop technologies that can address complex intrapersonal and social issues. In particular, she is interested in how technology can promote self-reflection, empathy, and open-mindedness. Currently, she is exploring and designing digital tools that help people learn from and embrace failure.

Peiyao Liu
PhD Student

Peiyao is a PhD student in Computational Media. Her research interests are user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design, public relations, and computer-mediated communication. Her work delves into the intersection of technology, society, and design, focusing on critical issues like digital colonialism. Before joining the lab, she received her Master of Science in Communications and a Bachelor of Fine Art in Animation Design. She enjoys playing video games, building Legos, and watching science fiction TV series in her free time.

Young Hwan Na
PhD Student

Young is a PhD student in the Computational Media Department at the University of California, Santa Cruz. He is interested in accessibility issues in HCI, and previous research involves HCI design for senior citizens. His current research interests are media literacy related topics. He has a B.S. in Informatics and an M.S. in HCI and design from Indiana University Bloomington, where he was also an undergrad researcher for the AUX lab. During his free time, he enjoys every kind of outdoor activities. He is also a passionate videographer & photographer.

Bengisu Cagiltay
Visiting PhD Student

Bengisu is a PhD student in Computer Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, with a PhD minor in Human Development and Family Studies. Her current research involves the design of social robots for children and families. She received her B.S. in Computer Science and M.S. in Cognitive Science. In her spare time, she enjoys volunteering at FIRST LEGO League events.