Curriculum Vitae

Education

• Ph.D in Human-Centered Design and Engineering, University of Washington, 2026 (Expected)
  Concentration: Human-Computer Interaction, AI/ML Fairness
  Advised by Dr. Daniela K. Rosner and Dr. Katharina Reinecke
  
• M.S. in Human-Centered Design and Engineering, University of Washington, 2025 (Expected)
  Advised by Dr. Daniela K. Rosner and Dr. Katharina Reinecke
  
• M.S. in Systems Engineering, University of Virginia, 2022
  Thesis: “The SPORT-C Intervention: An Integration of Sports, Case-Based Pedagogy, and Systems Thinking Learning” Advised by Dr. William Scherer
  
• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 2018
  Minor: Green Engineering
  

Research Experience

Wildlab x TAT Lab @ University of Washington
Graduate Research Assistant (September 2022 – Present)

• Hopeful Failure: How Collaborative Design Fiction Reimagines AI

  • While AI development is expanding, marginalized communities are often excluded from shaping its future. This study explores how Black American participants envision AI through collaborative storytelling, focusing on hopes, concerns, and social impacts. Using the “Exquisite Tellings” method, we held design fiction workshops with 10 participants, uncovering themes of reliance, autonomy, and cultural nuance in AI.

    • This work introduces “Exquisite Tellings,” a participatory storytelling method that expands inclusivity in HCI
    • We identify five engagement axes with AI, blending acceptance and resistance, moving beyond simple optimism or pessimism.
    • We develop a collective approach to design fiction, balancing individual agency with shared imagination to envision alternative AI futures

• Understanding Black Users’ Perceptions of AI-Supported Writing Technology

  • Although much research has examined bias in large language models, studies on how Black American users experience everyday interactions with NLP tools are still emerging. This study explores the expectations, apprehensions, and perceptions of Black American users regarding AI-supported writing technology. We conducted semi-structured virtual interviews with 13 participants, followed by a remote-moderated user study of word processing software (Google Docs) and large language models (ChatGPT).

    • Our findings document Black American users’ experiences with AI-supported writing technologies, complementing existing literature on large language model’s limitations in language technology
    • Unlike prior studies, our work revealed a novel concern: the potential for the gradual erasure of Black American culture as future generations increasingly depend on AI for information—a critical perspective that has not been thoroughly examined in existing HCI research

The Sports Analytics Club Program
Mixed-Methods Researcher (February 2021 – May 2022)

• The SPORT-C Intervention: An Integration of Sports, Case-Based Pedagogy and Systems Thinking Learning

  • The study aimed to integrate sports cases into STEM courses to foster increased student engagement of an underrepresented demographic in the STEM field.

    • Designed user surveys utilizing Qualtrics to gather preliminary data on academic engagement, self-efficacy, expectancy, value, and cost to understand influence of sports on students learning experience
    • Conducted qualitative usability tests with 2 classrooms to assess correlation and impact of sports-related topics in student learning experiences, aligning case development with student feedback
    • Communicated survey findings and insights to interdisciplinary team for further evaluation of future case development process, ensuring roadmap addresses all 4 stakeholder goals and relevant metrics are being measured

Monumental Sports and Entertainment
Data Analyst (January 2021 – March 2021)

• Fired Fairly? Examining Racial Disparities in NCAA Football Coaching Positions

  • The study addresses a notable racial imbalance in college football, where African Americans constitute nearly 50% of FBS players but hold less than 10% of head coaching positions.

    • Applied both classical and exploratory data analysis techniques, including linear regression, binary regression, ANOVA, and T-tests, to perform large-scale complex analysis into whether racial bias was present in firing minority coaches in the NCAA
    • Employed Minitab to analyze a large-scale longitudinal dataset of 200 NCAA coaches over past decade for hypothesis testing and regression model construction
    • Communicated findings to 20 MBA Executives in an educational workshop utilizing data visualizations, leading to understanding results of racial bias in hiring minority coaches

Publications

Understanding Black Users’ Perceptions of AI-Supported Writing Technology

Hopeful Failure: How Collaborative Design Fiction Reimagines AI

The SPORT-C Intervention: An Integration of Sports, Case-Based Pedagogy and Systems Thinking Learning

Basoah, J., Scherer, W., Boyd-Sinkler, K., & Bailey, R. (2023, June 19). The SPORT-C Intervention: An Integration of Sports, Case-Based Pedagogy and Systems Thinking Learning. Accepted: The 18th International Conference on Frontiers in Education: Computer Science & Computer Engineering (FECS'22). [Accepted,Awaiting Publication] https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2307.11755

Work experience

IBM Corporation

User Experience Researcher, Senior Intern (January 2024 – August 2024)

• Initiated and implemented a company-wide program to identify challenges across multiple clients, with a focus on improving user experience and engagement
  
• Conducted qualitative research through usability testing to guide design strategies for proprietary product development
  
• Improved product’s UMUX score by 14% amount within a period of 6 months by identifying key areas for improvement and developing a strategic plan encompassing usability testing and design critiques with users to enhance user experience
  
• Informed product team direction by conducting an in-depth qualitative study to identify and uncover new user segments for growth which influenced the design and development priorities of design iterations of user interfaces and product features
  
• Through my qualitative research I was able to identify a new user group that the development team had not considered as primary users for the product. This led to the creation of a new user segments that influenced the direction we took with product enhancement
  

User Experience Researcher, Senior Intern (June 2023 – September 2023

• Analyzed over 20 customer feedback on a bi-weekly frequency to identify key highlights and challenges faced by customers during product beta testing program; analysis was used to influence product development and align with product strategy for the upcoming release
  
• Compiled and synthesized over 100 user comments to inform the development of 5 generative research workshop sessions with user base; workshops served as the foundational discussions that shed light on user grievances with most recent product release
  
• Oversaw the conduction of over 15 internal interviews to assess the impact of 2 distinct visual frameworks on client adoption of the product platform, deriving 7 evidence-based insights and recommendations; findings served as the foundation for exploratory research with customers that would garner greater adoption of product
  

User Experience Researcher, Intern (May 2022 – December 2022)

• Conducted 2 heuristic evaluations of z/OS Management Services Catalog product by evaluating primary end-to-end user flows of 2 personas with latest code; Identified 20 improvement points within user flows
  
• Collaborated with User Experience Designer to architect and design team’s 2 Airtable databases and sponsor user feedback forms; improvements allow for easy capture of user experience feedback and seamless integration with current client feedback process
  
• Administered 6 usability tests on sponsor users with new product designs while working alongside the User Experience Designer to form a research plan; utilized an affinity map to synthesize results and then communicated to three-in-a-box team
  
• Developed an on-platform CSAT survey to over 200 participants to measure customer satisfaction and usability of IBM’s Management Services Catalog platform
  

Intel Corporation

Process Engineer (August 2018 – August 2020)

• Modeled and assessed tool trends of over 150 tools to predict and identify potential unscheduled downtime using Statistical Process Control (SPC) system
  
• Launched a daily report for the SCC toolset tracking and monitoring matching discrepancies across 3 tools, led to biweekly optimization of all tool’s measured layers
  
• Revamped disposition system for REG valid data failures toolset to maintain seamless data review and communication throughout all 4 shifts and command center
  
• Chaired project formed to reduce quarterly spending for DPCdc, reduced spending by an average of $6000 per quarter while doubling allocated annual budget
  
• Managed and investigated equipment failures of 7 tools, diagnosed faulty operation and incorporated learnings into procedures to anticipate future equipment issues
  
• Shaped DPCdc availability roadmap; tool availability improved from an annual average of 86% to 94% as tool owner
  

Ford Motor Company

Stamping Coordinator, Intern (May 2016 – August 2016)

• Developed visual aids and single point lessons for new control point process verification system, increasing quality of stamped panels by 25%
• Implemented verification system into assembly line, educated & coached 20 Tool & Die staff in proper procedure

Grants

2023

• University of Washington Human Centered Design & Engineering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Grant – Awarded $700
  • Support grassroots diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within the department. Proposals can cover a wide range of community building, group training, and other DEI-related efforts
• University of Washington Human Centered Design & Engineering Doctoral Research Grant – Awarded $1340
  • Designed to support HCDE PhD students who need assistance to carry out research that advances their progress toward their degree

Honors and Awards

2024  Social Action Term Fellowship in Human-Centered Design @Engineering
2023  Neon Blackboard Term Fellowship in Human-Centered Design & Engineering
2022  University of Washington College of Engineering Dean’s Fellowship
2022  GOMAP Top Off Award, Graduate Student Equity & Excellence (GSEE)
2022  GEM Full Engineering Fellow, The National GEM Consortium and IBM – Ph.D.
2021  Inclusive Excellence Fellow
2021  National Society of Black Engineers Honors APEx Member
2020  GEM Full Engineering Fellow, The National GEM Consortium and Intel – M.S.
2020  Intel Scholar
2013  Virginia Tech Presidential Scholarship Initiative Recipient

Teaching Experience

Graduate Teaching Assistant

University of Washington - HCDE492: Capstone Planning (Winter 2024), Senior Capstone (Spring 2024)

• Facilitated discussions and group activities during class sessions for over 70 students to enhance learning and engagement
• Served as a mentor for 4 4 person industry-sponsored capstone groups over the course of two quarters, promoting academic integrity, professionalism, and ethical practices
• Conducted review sessions and provided guidance to students on course concepts, assignments, and capstone milestones

University of Virginia - SYS3034: System Evaluation (Spring 2021, Spring 2022)

• Provided academic support and instruction to 60 students in undergraduate level course
• Facilitated classroom discussion sessions and held weekly office hours to provide tutoring, counseling, or assistance to students in need
• Contributed to the development of appropriate teaching materials to ensure content and methods of delivery met learning objectives

University of Virginia - SYS6001: Intro to Systems Analysis & Design (Fall 2021)

• Delivered comprehensive academic support and instruction to a cohort of 30 graduate-level students, ensuring a conducive learning environment and fostering intellectual growth.
• Collaborated with faculty members to facilitate lectures, evaluate student performance, and conduct grading assessments, contributing to the overall success of the instructional team.

Invited Talks and Panels

2022  Presenter - The 18th International Conference on Frontiers in Education: Computer Science & Computer Engineering
2021  Panelist - Navigating & Maximizing Professional Conferences
2021  Presenter - Darden Executive MBA Course: Data Analytics and Leadership Judgment in Sports
2020  Panelist - Tapia Conference: Secure Your Bag(s) & Degree(s): Graduate School Edition

Leadership

2022 - Present  Design Lead and Mentor - A Vision for Engineering Literacy & Access (AVELA)
2022 – 2023  Professional Development Program Committee Member – National Society of Black Engineers (UoW)
2021 - 2022  Program Assistant - Men/Women of Color, Honor, and Ambition (M.O.C.H.A/W.O.C.H.A)
Est. 2017  Co-Founder, Board of Director – Acquiring Knowledge for Transcendence, Inc. (Non-Profit)
2015 – 2016  Senator – National Society of Black Engineers (Virginia Tech)

Professional & Serivce Activities

Department Service

2023 - Present  PhD Student Ambassador, University of Washington Human-Centered Design & Engineering
2023  PhD Admissions Review Committee, University of Washington Human-Centered Design & Engineering

Involvement and Comunity Engagement

2022 - Present  Member/ Outreaching Grad - Graduate Student Equity & Excellence (GSEE) – University of Washington
2022 - Present  Member – Black Graduate Student Association (BGSA) – University of Washington
2017 - Present  Board of Director, Education Outreach – Acquiring Knowledge for Transcendence, Inc

Affiliations

• National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
  
• Association of Computing Machinery (ACM)
  

Conferences

2023  ACM Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI)
2022  The 18th International Conference on Frontiers in Education: Computer Science & Computer Engineering
2022  GEM Annual Board Meeting and Conference
2022  NSBE National Convention
2021  CMD-IT/ACM Richard Tapia Celebration of Diversity in Computing Conference
2021  NSBE Fall Regional Conference – Region 2
2021  AfroTech Conference
2021  Black is Tech Conference
2021  GEM Annual Board Meeting and Conference
2020  CMD-IT/ACM Richard Tapia Celebration of Diversity in Computing Conference
2013 - 2018  NSBE National Convention and Fall Regional 2 Conference

Skills

• Qualitative Research
  • Semi Structured Interviews
  • Remote Moderated Usability Testing
  • Heuristic Evaluation
  • Affinity Mapping
  • Experimental Design
  • Stakeholder Walkthrough
  • Survey Design
• Quantitative Research
  • Linear Regression
  • Binary Regression
  • Hypothesis Testing
  • Chi-Square
  • ANOVA
  • T-Test
  • Correlation
• Software Skills
  • Minitab
  • Tableau
  • Power BI
  • Qualtrics
  • Airtable
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel
• Programming Languages
  • R/RStudio