I am a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Games, Interactive Media, and Mobile Technology (GIMM) department at Boise State University. My area of research lies at the intersection of virtual reality (VR), accessibility, and human-computer interaction (HCI). My research focuses on understanding the accessibility barriers of commercial-off-the-shelf VR technology for older adults and people with disabilities. I apply my research to VR hardware and applications by developing 3D-printed add-on modifications and leveraging built-in technology to increase the accessibility of VR. As an HCI researcher, I conduct studies with expert co-designers and individuals from the target population to evaluate modifications and application features to understand how to increase VR accessibility, which may improve the quality of life and well-being of older adults and people with disabilities.
At Boise State University, I teach Visual Storytelling, Game Development, Multiplayer Game Development, and Digital Portfolio. However, no matter the course, I include accessibility lectures and projects to expose my students to the benefits of thinking beyond themselves and developing for a wider audience.
In 2023, I completed my doctorate in Human-Centered Computing at Clemson University in the DRIVE Lab under Dr. Julian Brinkley, where we explored accessibility, mobility, and transportation technologies related to individuals who cannot control conventional vehicles. I received my bachelor’s degree in GIMM from Boise State University in 2019, where I immersed myself in VR, accessibility, and user experience (UX).
While accessible VR is my passion, I am also interested in exploring accessibility in augmented reality (AR), educational game development, human-machine interfaces (HMIs) for autonomous vehicle interactions, and prototyping and researching new accessible technologies.
Please contact me if you have any questions or are interested in collaborating.