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head@seas.upenn.edu

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My lab does research in human-computer interaction with an emphasis on tools for thought. Broadly, my group tackles information-intensive technical tasks, often involving formalism. We give users tools to digest and make progress amidst high complexity. Currently, we are developing tools to improve math explanation, computer-assisted proof, code understanding and verification, forecasting, and scientific reasoning.

Our group specializes in qualitative and technical HCI methods. On the one hand, we conduct qualitative studies with expert users that give a detailed picture of work. For example, our recent studies have provided rich inventories of the user experience of using proof assistants, verifying code with property-based testing, and writing accessible mathematical explanations.

On the other hand, we build interactive systems that develop new ways of uncovering information and progressing in complex tasks. For example, we have recently designed and evaluated new patterns for testing code, navigating it, and writing math explanations. We typically evaluate these patterns in small lab studies that rigorously assess outcomes like task success, experiential factors, and understanding of the underlying task. We publish this work at ACM CHI, UIST, ICSE, and OOPSLA.

I am a recipient of the NSF CAREER Award. My group receives support from NSF, DARPA, AWS, and Ai2. I am also interested in getting our tools out into the world—I am the author of prototype tools that evolved into Microsoft’s “Gather” tool and Ai2’s Semantic Reader.

Prospective Ph.D. applicants: I will be recruiting Ph.D. students this upcoming (Dec. '26) application season.