My Journey into HCI Research

When I started my undergraduate degree in Computer Science at Brac University, I never imagined I would end up passionate about research. Like many CS students, I was focused on learning programming languages, building apps, and landing a job in the industry. But a single course changed everything.

The Turning Point

During my junior year, I took a course that introduced me to Human-Computer Interaction. For the first time, I realized that building technology wasn’t just about writing efficient code - it was about understanding the people who use it. The questions shifted from “How do I build this?” to “Why should I build this, and for whom?”

From Thesis to Research Grant

This curiosity led me to my undergraduate thesis: “Beyond Words” - an exploration of how free-hand sketches and EEG-based neurobiological signatures could help screen for depression among cancer patients. Working under Dr. Jannatun Noor Mukta, I learned that research is messy, iterative, and deeply rewarding.

We were honored to receive the Brac University Research Grant 2023 for this work - a validation that our questions mattered.

Why HCI?

What draws me to HCI is its inherently interdisciplinary nature. In a single project, you might:

• Design a user study with psychological rigor
• Build a functional prototype
• Analyze physiological data (EEG, sketches)
• Grapple with ethical questions about vulnerable populations

This breadth is what keeps me engaged. Every project teaches me something new - not just about technology, but about people.

What’s Next

I am currently working full-time as a DevOps Engineer while actively pursuing research collaborations. My goal is to pursue a PhD in HCI, focusing on mental health technologies and AI fairness for marginalized communities. The journey from a curious undergrad to an independent researcher has been challenging but incredibly fulfilling.

If you’re a student considering research - take the leap. The questions you’ll ask will change how you see the world.