CV

Research Interests

  • Design pattern taxonomies for virtual learning environments, AI co-designer systems for educational technology, human-centered spatial computing, immersive interface design, educational equity and access through technology, perceptual and neurocognitive patterns in virtual environments, cross-reality design principles, mixed methods research combining qualitative and computational approaches, embodied interaction in learning contexts, human-in-the-loop AI systems

Education

  • PhD in Computing and Information Systems
    University of North Carolina at Charlotte, NC
    Human-Centered Computing Lab
    • Dissertation: Design Patterns for Virtual World Learning Environments
  • Master of Science in Information Technology
    University of North Carolina at Charlotte, NC
    • Coursework: Human-Centered Design, Web Application Design, Augmented Reality User Experience, IT Project Management
      Master Thesis: Revealing the Hidden Layers in an Environment: A Case Study of the Visualization of the Coronavirus Contamination and Navigation in a Hospital (an Augmented Reality Project)
  • Master of Science in Design Computation
    University of North Carolina at Charlotte, NC
    • Coursework: Connective Environments Design, Computational Design Theory, Digital Fabrication
  • Master of Science in Architectural Engineering
    Rouzbahan Institute of Higher Education
    • Coursework: Design Theory, Urban Design, Parametric Design
  • Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering
    Tabriz Art University
    • Coursework: Architectural design, Prototyping, Design theory, 3D Modeling

Technical Skills

  • Programming & AI
    • Programming:
      • Python
      • C#
      • JavaScript
      Artificial Intelligence:
      • Vision-Language Models (VLM)
      • Multi-modal Analysis
      • Generative AI Integration
  • Research Methods & Analysis: Mixed Methods
    • Qualitative Research: Usability Testing, Focus Groups Studies, In-depth Semi-Structured Interviews, Structured Interviews, Ethnography, Tree Testing, Concept/prototype Testing, Thematic Analysis, Content Analysis
    • Quantitative methods: Survey Design & research, A/B Testing, Statistical Analysis (Descriptive & Inferential)
  • Prototyping & Tools
    • Prototyping:
      • Rapid Prototyping
      • Wireframes
      • Paper prototyping
      • Low-Fidelity Prototyping
      • High-Fidelity Prototyping
      Tools:
      • Figma
      • Balsamiq
      • FigJam
      • Qualtrics
      • Airtable
      • Miro
      • Adobe Photoshop
      • Rhinoceros 3D
      • Illustrator
      • Unity
      • NVivo
      • SPSS

Design Research & Teaching Experience

  • Teaching Assistant
    Human-Centered Computing Lab, UNC Charlotte
    • Developed the Socio-Spatial Embodiment Model for virtual learning environments through mixed-methods research, published across 5 venues (FIE 2022, 2024, 2025; ACM ISS 2023; Virtual Worlds Journal)
    • Conducted comprehensive qualitative research including in-depth educator interviews and student focus groups, to identify design strategies and interface patterns in virtual world education
    • Designed a psychometric instrument to measure integrated student experiences of place, presence, and community in virtual learning environments
    • Developed computational taxonomy of virtual world interface patterns using computer vision, machine learning clustering, and systematic pattern analysis to inform educational design decisions
    • Applied interdisciplinary expertise combining user experience research, human-computer interaction, architectural design principles, and educational technology to solve complex interface usability challenges in virtual environments
    • Developed systematic design pattern identification for desktop virtual worlds, transitioning from qualitative insights to computational analysis for scalable educational technology improvements
    • Led teaching assistant teams for HCI, Rapid Prototyping, and Interaction Design Studio courses while conducting doctoral research on virtual environment design
  • Research Assistant
    Integrated Design Research lab, UNC Charlotte, NC
    • Researched and designed spatial typologies along human and machine perceptions by prototyping and programming a scanner robot using Raspberry Pi, proximity sensors, and lidar
  • Research Assistant
    Studio Dickey Lab, UNC Charlotte, NC
    • Researched and designed origami acoustic structures by designing simulations in Rhinoceros 3D using the Grasshopper, and Pachyderm Acoustic plugins
    • Designed and prototyped origami structures using Rhinoceros 3D, Grasshopper
    • Presented and animated design patterns using Grasshopper, and Photoshop, with a final presentation using InDesign
  • Research Assistant
    Urban Synergetic Lab, UNC Charlotte, NC
    • Researched mechanical computer shape grammar using the Logic Gate Simulator
  • Research Assistant
    High-Performance Architecture Lab, Tarbiat Modarres University, Tehran, Iran
    • Researched and published papers on shape grammar

Publications

  • 8 peer-reviewed publications in virtual learning environments and HCI
  • 7 first-author papers on socio-spatial embodiment and virtual world design
  • See publications page for full list