I am an associate professor of Learning Sciences and Computer Science at Northwestern's School of Education and Social Policy and the McCormick School of Engineering. My research aims to advance society's understanding of how students learn in complex learning environments by forging new opportunities for using multimodal technology.
websiteMaryam is a doctoral student in Computer Science at Northwestern University. Prior to Northwestern, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) at UC Berkeley. Her research is in human-computer interaction, tangible technologies, and learning. She’s passionate about designing tools and experiences that foster human development and connection. Her vision for the future is one where tech bolsters authentic, meaningful, accessible, and enriching human experiences.
Jacob is a PhD student in Computer Science and Learning Sciences at Northwestern University. His research focuses on AI education, knowledge representation, and computational linguistics, with an emphasis on developing innovative learning models such as structured hackathons and AI literacy frameworks. In his spare time, Jacob enjoys climbing, quizbowl, and reading social science, which he continuously tries to incorporate into his research.
Khushbu is a doctoral student in Learning Sciences at Northwestern University. Her work lies at the intersection of mechanical design, mathematics, and art, focusing on informal learning spaces such as museums, playgrounds, and everyday public environments. Khushbu is passionate about encouraging creative exploration and accessibility through her designs; reimagining where and how learning happens, and about designing tools that support playful, curiosity-driven interactions beyond traditional classrooms.
Michael Smith is a Computer Science and Learning Sciences PhD student at Northwestern University, and a National GEM Consortium PhD Fellow. Some of his research and project interests include exploring the intersections of technology & education, formal and informal learning, computing culture, new media and community, and games.
websiteComing from Malden, MA, Natalie is a Ph.D. student in Computer Science and Learning Sciences. She graduated with a Computer Science degree from the University of Pennsylvania as both a Questbridge Match Scholar and Janey Scholar. Natalie has a passion for empowering students. Her interests lie in identity, collaboration, and belonging.
Sarah (she/her) is a PhD candidate in Learning Sciences, working on an ethnographic account of refugee students and a cross-cultural coalition of youth across informal educational settings. She examines practices of intergenerational learning and (multi)culturally sustaining pedagogy that complicate notions of youth identity and belonging (vis-à-vis transnationalism and spatial justice). She also enjoys calls with family or friends, various forms of crafting, making coffee (currently AeroPressing), and initiating group hugs.
websiteBorn in Bronxville, New York and raised in Ellicott City, Maryland, Khalil, a UMBC Alum, is a Computer Science PhD student with interests in Machine Learning. More specifically with interests in Reinforcement Learning, NLP, and how Machine Learning can help augment, not necesarily replace, humans in task and jobs such as driving, learning, manufacturing, and any other area.
websiteI am a PhD student in Computer Science and Communication Studies at Northwestern University. My research focuses on understanding learning in sports spaces and designing technologies and experiences that support sports performance and learning.
websiteAshley is a Learning Sciences PhD candidate at Northwestern University. Their research focuses on data education across K-16 contexts with an emphasis on agency, culture, and identity.
Prasanna is a recent Mechanical Engineering graduate from Northwestern University. At the TIILT Lab, he contributed to the SportSense team by leading hardware prototyping, PCB design, and mechanical design for smart sports and rehabilitation devices. He also supported front-end development and organized outreach events that connect youth with hands-on STEM experiences. His interests include wearable technology, advanced manufacturing, human-centered design, and biomechanical data analysis. Outside of the lab, Prasanna enjoys developing startup ideas, exploring hardware innovation, and mentoring students in engineering and design.
Tochukwu is a PhD candidate in Computer Science at Northwestern University, specializing in Collaborative Learning Analytics, AI, and Educational Technology. He focuses on developing predictive models to analyze student cognition, behavior, and interaction, utilizing computer vision and NLP techniques. He has developed a collaboration literacy analytics framework and a multimodal fusion ML algorithm to assess the same. Tochukwu is also a lifetime member of the Edward Alexander Bouchet Graduate Honor Society, a fellow of the Center for Leadership, the Assistant Chair of Chapin Residential College at Northwestern University, and the Co-president of the African Graduate Student Association, where he fosters a supportive environment for African graduate students, emphasizing cultural exchange and academic excellence. He enjoys traveling, exploring diverse cultures, and is passionate about the intersection of technology, education, and social impact.
Victoria (V/they/she) is a Chicago-born and raised Chapine (Guatemalan) educator, scholar, and engineer. Currently, they’re a third-year PhD student at Northwestern University's Computer Science Program. Victoria’s research interests explore systemic issues within computer science education, centering the experiences of Black, Disabled, Indigenous, and Latine/x students. Most recently, their research has focused on teaching and learning accessibility as well as unpacking how ableism is codified in the policies, practices, and pedagogies used in college CS courses.
websiteAs a disabled researcher and educator, Meg is particularly interested in educational dignity. Her work seeks to challenge the deficit-based views of human learning that are complicit in the reification of normatively powered dynamics and push beyond the practices that maintain and enact ableism to a dynamic coexistence of multiple ways of seeing and knowing. She enjoys riding her bike, hanging out with animals, and eating Albanese gummy bears.
Originally from Uzbekistan, Aziza is a first-year Master’s student in Artificial Intelligence at Mccormick. She is interested in learning and researching computational approaches that enable computers to understand human language and break down communication barriers between people and language technologies. In particular, she is exploring areas such as Deep Learning, NLProc and Understanding, and Model Interpretability. At Tiilt, she is contributing to the Blinc team. Outside of academics, she is an epee fencer, and a language learner (currently Arabic).
Anna is a recent computer science master’s graduate from Northwestern University. As a part of the SportSense team, she combines software development and outreach to coordinate experiences that connect youth with data and computing through sports. Her work bridges educational technology and accessibility, with a focus on building interactive tools for data driven learning. Her interests include full stack development, data visualization and increasing equity and access in computer science. Outside of the lab, Anna enjoys traveling and exploring new food scenes.
Kidus Chernet Tessma is a junior studying Computer Science and Mathematics. I am working on the SportSense Team in redesigning the FAAM website.
Lucas is a senior in Computer Engineering and is also pursuing a BS/MS in Computer Science. On the SportSense team, he helps design hardware and lead hands-on activities that connect sports with data and computing concepts for youth. His interests include broadening access to computer science, embedded systems, hardware design, and machine learning. Outside of the lab, Lucas enjoys rollerblading, rock climbing, and tinkering with electronics.
Hi I’m AnnaRose. I’m a first year computer science major in Weinberg. I’m working on the BLINC project and I’m interested in multimodal learning and using technology to enhance everyday life.
Keigo is a sophomore studying Computer Science. As part of MusicNU, he's implemented the performance dynamics and note pitch analysis features of Warbler, taking over lead of the project this year. His interests include audio/signal processing and human-centered design. Outside of the lab, Keigo enjoys listening to music, physical activities, and reading.
Hi I’m Audrey Benitez (she/her)! I am a sophomore at Northwestern University majoring in computer science in Weinberg. I am interested in ensuring a broader racial and ethnic participation in CS. My focus centers around showing youth connections between computer science and their interests. In the Sportsense team I examine different multimodal tech devices that serve as means to engage computer learning through the lens of sports. Outside of the lab I like to dance, read and go on walks along the lakefill!
Eugenia Cao is a second-year student majoring in Industrial Engineering and Computer Science. She is currently working on the BLINC project at Tiilt, with a primary focus on integrating discourse analysis into the BLINC system. She appreciates the supportive environment at Tiilt and how its research is closely connected to the local community. When she's not coding, she enjoys all forms of theatre production and photography.
Natalie is a second year student from Hong Kong studying Computer Science and Classics. She’s a member of the MusicNU team and the Multicraft/Gesturecraft team. She is interested in digital design and supporting accessible technology and STEM education in underrepresented groups. In her free time, she loves cooking, climbing, playing the guitar/songwriting, and gaming.
Angela is a second-year student majoring in Computer Science at Northwestern. She is currently working on the website development team of tiilt. Her interest include full stack developemnt and data visualization. Outside of the lab, Angela enjoys fashion design, travelling, and discovering new food in Chicago.
Jannah is a Second Year student passionate about the intersection of Cognitive Science and Computer Science with a focus on User Experience (UX) and Interface Design. She is interested in exploring the cognitive benefits of gestures and embodied learning in children and elementary/intermediate educational experiences. In her free time, she enjoys playing soccer, painting, and exploring the city!
Alison is a Computer Science Masters student. She completed her BA in Computer Science with a minor in Legal Studies at Northwestern University in 2023. She is particularly interested in embedded systems and ad hoc networks. In her free time, Alison is a member of Northwestern’s Synchronized Skating team, the Purple Line. She also works as a figure skating coach and is a coach with Evanston Ice Synchronized Skating Teams.
Zach is a second-year Computer Science student at Northwestern University, with a minor in Data Science and an ISEN Undergraduate Certificate in Sustainability and Energy. He is deeply passionate about the technology and sustainability, particularly through applying artificial intelligence. His research examines how physical interactions and gestures foster cognitive development in early education. Zach is also an avid chess player, enjoys bouldering at his local climbing gym, baking, and playing a variety of games.
websiteKris (she/her/hers) is a first-year Computer Science and Social Policy student interested in the intersection between CS, education, and policy. She’s a member of the Multicraft/Gesturecraft team working to create accessible technologies for underrepresented students. Coming from a family of educators, Kris is an avid believer in gamifying education for students. Outside of tilt, she loves to romanticize her playlists, spend time with friends, and bake.
Milind is a second year computer science student with an intended BS/MS also in Computer Science. Milind is passionate about deep learning and algorithms, and their applications in areas across science and mathematics. Outside of school, Milind is a competitive chess player and loves to play tournaments, and is a member of Northwestern’s chess team.
Irena is a second year undergraduate studying Computer Science and Business. She is passionate about leveraging technology to create meaningful change through education and social entrepreneurship. At tiilt, she is a member of the MusicNU team. In her free time, she enjoys eating good food, exploring Chicago, and playing volleyball.
Richard is a second-year student studying computer science and communication studies. He is interested in human-computer interaction and the applications of technology in education. In his free time, Richard loves singing, playing guitar, watching basketball, and collecting Pokémon cards.
Josh is a student-athlete at Adlai E. Stevenson High School. He is part of the SportSense project and works on developing the mobile applications that receive and display real-time data. These applications are primarily used to track real-world athletics, helping people see and even improve. Outside of the lab, he enjoys swimming competitively, fishing, and eating good food.
