Design and Social Robotics – Research Assistantship – HCDE
Project EMAR is looking for a motivated Undergraduate Researcher to explore design and development of a social robot during summer quarter. Open to all undergraduate students who will be enrolled in the Fall, 2019 quarter. Must be a US citizen. Preference will be given to students with experience in design, computer science, robotics, or mental health, but all are welcome to apply.
Project EMAR, is an interdisciplinary, NSF-funded project, investigating the design and development of a social robot to effectively capture adolescent stress levels. Our team is focused on creating new knowledge in the area of teen-robot interaction and values ongoing learning, collaboration, and open and clear communication. The project recognizes teens as experts in their own lives and strive to honor that expertise through participatory design and a human-centered approach.
Read more: https://blogs.uw.edu/emar/
Possible Roles and Responsibilities
- Continue development of technical and computing aspects of EMAR prototypes focusing in particular on facial and emotion recognition, voice recognition, facial features, embodiment, and personality.
- Continue design research related to haptics, sound, voice, or movement.
- Conduct small studies (usability, feasibility) using a human-centered methodology
- Conduct literature reviews, analyze data, and help prepare manuscripts for publication
- Participate in all Project EMAR team meetings (times TBD)
Qualifications
Required qualifications
- Motivated, self-starter, problem-solver, who can move projects forward with minimal direction.
- Experience working in a collaborative, interdisciplinary project team.
- Interest in improving mental health of teens.
- Demonstrated strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Understands human-centered design principles and practices for adolescents and general audiences
Desired qualifications:
- Hands-on experience with human-centered design including conducting user research, analyzing data, and prototyping.
- Work experience with adolescents
- Experience with robotics or technology design.
Commitment and compensation:
* Summer quarter term (June 24- August 24)
* $8000 NSF stipend (will be spread over the 10 week quarter)
Applications
Please send an email including letter of interest and your CV/Resume to Elin Björling (bjorling@uw.edu) by May 30th, 2019.
In your cover letter, please address the following:
- How has your academic background and previous experience prepared you for this opportunity?
- What experience or knowledge do you have with human-centered design?
- What is your approach to problem solving?