REU Showcase 2023

August 4th

On Aug 4th, our 2023 Research Experience for Undergraduate cohort presented on their XR accessibility projects. Learn about neurodivergent-friendly VR, Saliency in 360 Videos, and more!

Event Details

Date: Aug 4, 2023

Time: 9am PT/ 12pm ET

Duration: 60 minutes

The XR Access Research Experience for Undergraduates brings promising students to the campuses of Cornell Tech and Columbia University in NYC to participate in projects that make XR more accessible to people with disabilities. Augmented and virtual reality (XR) technologies have become popular consumer products, but the devices, development and authoring tools, and content that make up the XR ecosystem pose barriers for people with disabilities. In these presentations, learn how our students have pushed forward the accessibility of XR.

About the Speakers

Anusha Kakileti

Anusha Kakileti is a rising sophomore at Minerva University intending to study Computer Science and Mathematics. She has experience in various fields including volunteer organizing, hospitality, and asset management. This is her first time working with gaming and accessibility, but she has prior research experience in natural language processing.

Helena Su

Helena is a rising sophomore at UC Berkeley double majoring in IEOR and EECS. Aside from XR accessibility, her interests include beat saber, photography, and practicing violin.

Ashley Fong

Ashley Fong studies Computer Science and Cognitive Science with a concentration in human-computer interaction (HCI). Ashley is a robotics enthusiast and disability advocate with strong aspirations for pursuing equitable healthcare technology.

Brennon Treadwell

Brennon is a senior at the University of North Carolina Wilmington studying Computer Science and Mathematics. They started working with VR in the Spring of 2022, motivated by the potential of VR to handle diverse interaction techniques that can reduce accessibility barriers.

Joshua Bassin

Joshua Bassin is a rising sophomore at the Pennsylvania State University intending to study Linguistics and Computer Science. He has some background in game design, though this is his first formal experience with accessibility.

Chloe Tedjo

Chloe Tedjo is a rising sophomore at Texas A&M University studying Computer Science. She is interested in machine learning and technology that improves inclusion and accessibility.

Tanisha Shende

Tanisha Shende is an undergraduate sophomore studying computer science and sociology. She is interested in using technology to uplift marginalized communities by making mainstream applications more accessible and developing assistive tools, such as her app that supports the mental and physical health of people with ADHD and autism.

Sophie Ana Paris

Sophie Ana is a rising senior in NYU’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study, where she is designing her concentration to focus on the intersection of engineering, human-centered design, disability studies, and entrepreneurship, as well as minoring in computer science. She is passionate about ensuring that accessibility and inclusion are at the core of products, spaces, and services.

Ruchi Ukhade

Ruchi is a rising senior at Arizona State University studying Animation. Her interests include VR/AR, game engines, and 3-D modeling/animation. Ruchi received the Google Generation Scholarship: for Women in Gaming for the 2023-24 school year. She has an interest in designing for accessibility in games and this is her first time working on HCI research.