Provost’s Program for Interdisciplinary Postdoctoral Scholars

Naila Ayala uses wearable sensors, machine learning, and neuroscience to study how pilots and other professionals acquire complex skills in high-stakes environments. Her work develops predictive tools that improve training, enhance safety, and address workforce challenges in aviation and beyond.

Lea Gassab bridges quantum physics, biology, and chemistry to explore how quantum effects in the brain contribute to protein damage linked to neurodegenerative diseases. Her work combines computer modeling with experimental biochemistry to uncover new insights into brain health and inspire future quantum technologies.

Geneva Smith explores how Interactive Digital Narratives (IDNs) can be designed and evaluated to promote social change. Her interdisciplinary work bridges software engineering, game design, HCI, and media studies to create meaningful, pro-social learning experiences.

Mohsen’s research focuses on developing a 3D cancer-on-a-chip microfluidics device that replicates tumour conditions, alongside a computational framework to predict treatment outcomes.

Paula Sanchez Nunez de Villavicencio studies how trust and distrust shape our relationships with wearable technologies, especially as AI becomes integrated into everyday devices. Her interdisciplinary work bridges arts and engineering to explore reliability, privacy, and transparency in the future of human–technology interaction.

Zachary McKendrick bridges drama, technology, and human-computer interaction to explore how extended reality (XR) can enhance live performance and create more user-centered immersive experiences. His work draws on theatre practices to inform XR design, aiming to improve interaction and reduce the challenges of current VR technologies.

Christine Mills investigates how nutrition programs can support older adults to age in place. As a registered dietitian and interdisciplinary researcher, her work bridges nutrition, gerontology, sociology, and implementation science to design and evaluate community-based interventions that reduce nutrition risk and promote health and independence among aging populations.

James Kim examines the complex links between online misogyny and real-world gender-based violence. His interdisciplinary research combines computational social science and critical theory to develop new frameworks and tools for understanding how digital spaces can fuel offline harms and to inform more effective prevention and intervention strategies.

Sebastian Cmentowski explores how immersive exergames can combat sedentary lifestyles by merging enjoyable gameplay with intensive physical exercise. His interdisciplinary research spans interaction design, computer science, sports science, and accessibility to develop extended reality (XR) training experiences that are personalized, motivating, and safe.

Stuart Schussler investigates how universities can build more accountable and collaborative relationships with community organizations at the heart of social movements. His interdisciplinary research explores new models of service learning that bridge academic and grassroots spaces, equipping students to engage meaningfully with movements driving social change.