About Me

I am an Assistant Professor Communication Studies and Computer Science (by courtesy) at Northwestern University, where I direct the Creative Interfaces Research + Design Studio. My research agenda supports public agency and critical decision-making surrounding AI, investigates how AI is affecting human creativity and creative agency, and explores how to design human-centered AI systems in collaboration with creative practitioners. I synthesize common themes across the design artifacts I create to build theory about how to foster AI literacy and creative agency. My recent NSF CAREER award investigates how to employ friction in AI tools as a mechanism for fostering reflection in creative practice.

My research has contributed to the fields of human-computer interaction, learning sciences, design, collaborative computing, and creativity and computation. I strive to produce outputs that have impact beyond the academy, including museum exhibits that have collectively reached thousands of people and freely available educational resources such as my AI Unplugged textbook.

I received my PhD in Human Centered Computing from Georgia Tech with a specialization in Learning Sciences and Technology and a minor in Design Research. I completed my undergraduate studies at UNC Chapel Hill, where I received a BS in Computer Science with a second major in Dramatic Art.

In my free time, I love to cook, visit museums, garden, travel, and spend time with my family and friends. I also love to read, and I co-host a podcast called Pynchon Pals where we read and discuss the works of postmodern American author Thomas Pynchon.

Important Info for Prospective PhD Students

I am considering recruiting one new student from Northwestern's Technology and Social Behavior (TSB) or Media, Technology, and Society (MTS) program this year. I am particularly interested in students with interests in designing creative tools for/with artists, supporting human agency in human-AI interactions, and/or exploring how to design AI tools to support effortful, reflective processes. If you are interested in working with me, please apply to the TSB or MTS program and mention me in the faculty selection section and statement of purpose.

I am not able to respond to email inquiries from prospective PhD students. This is not a reflection on you—the volume of emails is too high for me to equitably manage and selection for Northwestern’s PhD programs involves a collaborative, holistic review process.