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Summer 2025
CX researcher Intern
Customer Experience Analyst Intern
Rocket Mortgage, Detroit, MI, USA
Benchmarked Qualtrics Text iQ against ChatGPT for qualitative data tagging and sentiment analysis, demonstrating ChatGPT's superior performance through prompt engineering. Developed a reusable framework for research tasks, analyzed NPS shifts across clients, and delivered product recommendations to improve the digital mortgage journey. Won "Best Use of AI for Discovery & Research" at a company-wide hackathon.
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2023 – 2027
UX researcher & designer
PhD Dissertation on designer-engineer teamwork
Iowa State University, IA, USA
Researching designer and engineer mental models of AI, with emphasis on ChatGPT, through surveys, interviews, and experiments. Collaborating with experts in HCI, computer science, architecture, and communication studies to uncover how professional background shapes AI understanding, communication, and collaboration, with the goal of developing frameworks that enhance cross-functional teamwork with AI.
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2023 – 2025
UX researcher & designer
NSF-Funded Cybersecurity Research
Iowa State University, IA, USA
As part of an interdisciplinary team, I am exploring innovative pathways to introduce cybersecurity knowledge to rural English learners through XR-enabled educational tools. By leveraging user research and game development in Unity, we aim to create an immersive and inclusive learning experience that teaches middle school students the fundamentals of cybersecurity.
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Summer 2024
Research & 3D Modeling Mentor
NSF REU (Research Experience for Undergrads)
Iowa State University, IA, USA
Instructed nine undergraduates in Blender and mentored three students in creating a 3D mini-game on electric circuits for middle school English learners in rural areas.
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2022 – 2024
University Instructor
Architecture Studio Course
Iowa State University, IA, USA
Instructed second-year undergraduate architecture students in a 6-credit studio course, holding weekly desk crits, midterm and final reviews, and participating in field trips with over 100 students to Chicago, IL and Columbus, IN each semester.
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2022 – 2023
UX researcher & designer
Master Thesis on Sensory Cues in Virtual Reality
Iowa State University, IA, USA
Designed and executed a mixed-method user experience study on the effectiveness of guidance cues for visual targets in virtual environments.
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Summer 2023
Research & 3D Modeling Mentor
NSF REU (Research Experience for Undergrads)
Iowa State University, IA, USA
Instructed nine undergraduates in Blender and mentored three students in creating a 3D mini-game 3D game to inspire first-gen, middle school English learners in rural areas.
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2022 - 2022 (eight months)
Architect Intern
Klingner & Associates, PC
Pella, IA, USA
Engaged in the site visit, design, and construction phases of four projects, produced technical drawings and 3D models, and collaborated in client meetings to listen to and document their requirements and desires.
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2016 - 2018 (~three years)
founder, owner, designer
Risen Design Architecture Studio
Iran
Managed the full design and construction process of nine industrial and residential projects, delivering them with fewer revisions and cost savings, while creating inclusive designs that met diverse client needs and earning recognition for excellence in client satisfaction.
about me
As a UX researcher and designer, I explore how people understand and engage with AI. My background in architecture, human–computer interaction, and immersive technology shapes a multidisciplinary approach to studying experience at the intersection of design, engineering, and intelligent systems. I focus on uncovering the social, cultural, and behavioral factors that influence how people adopt and interact with emerging technology.
My current research examines how designers and engineers form mental models of AI, particularly tools like ChatGPT, and how these models affect communication, decision-making, and collaboration. By analyzing prompting strategy, interaction dynamic, and adoption pattern, I develop frameworks that make human–AI interaction more intuitive, effective, and impactful. My goal is to guide the creation of user-centered, AI-driven solutions for the future.
