

I am a 4th year PhD student in the CDT in NLP. My research focuses on privacy implications of sharing smart voice assistants such as Amazon Echo or Google Home in shared spaces.
I am part of the Technology Usability Lab in Privacy and Security (TULiPS).
Research Interests:
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Usable Security and Privacy
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Human-Computer Interaction
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Smart Voice Assistants
PUBLICATIONS
PROJECTS
CleverCogs
In the CleverCogs project, we explored click and user data of the CleverCogs tablet application, which provides entertainment to users with disabilities. The data set was collected over 10 months from 92 users and provided to the team by researchers of the university and representatives from CleverCogs. The project result gives high lever insights on the users as well as how the system is used.
The Friendship Explorer
The Friendship Explorer is an educational tablet game for children with Autism. It offers a safe space to practise social interactions and understand social conventions. The design is based on relevant literature, participatory design studies and expert feedback. It was evaluated in three studies and shows that the proof-of-concept project is suitable for autistic children.
Phishing Report
We created a report, which presents various features of a URL and aids the user in judging the safety of a URL. Features include the domain, search results, unexpected characters and many more. They are presented in way to allow even lay users to understand whether a URL is safe to click on or not.
Meet Alex, the Trainee
This project aims to open up a space for discussion on the future of smart speaker services and critically investigates interactions and services with smart assistance. We created Amazon’s brand-new, fictional service “Alex, the Trainee”, which allows users to teach and shape their personal assistant. We explored the kinds of scenarios this service may produce, how current problems are resolved, and which kinds of new issues are introduced.
SenseBreak
SenseBreak offers a calming escape from the busy world and noise of the Edinburgh Fringe. Visitors can immersive themselves in the relaxing environment of the tent, where they can interact with modified versions of typical irritating sounds of the festival. Changing projections and a semi-confined space offer for an immersive experience.
Alexa('s) Mirror
Alexa’s Mirror is a smart mirror that encourages self-love through positive reinforcement. In order to turn on the lights around the mirror to see oneself better, one has to compliment themselves. The light will shine brightly only for strong appreciation like ‘I am beautiful’, encouraging self-affirmation.
EDUCATION
2019 - 2024 (ongoing)
University of Edinburgh
PhD with Integrated Study
As part of the CDT in Natural Language Processing, I am working on smart speakers and privacy. I am looking at voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Home in shared spaces (e.g. kitchen, living room) and their impact on our privacy and security.
UKRI CDT in NLP Award (Funding until 2024)
Supervisor: Dr Kami Vaniea
2018 - 2019
University of Edinburgh
MSc Design Informatics
Following my Human-Computer Interaction interest, I deepened my knowledge of design and design research by engaging in various projects during the one-year programme.
with Distinction
Oberlander Prize in Design Informatics (MSc) - Best Dissertation
Supervisor: Dr Bettina Nissen and Dr Kami Vaniea
2018 - 2019
University of Edinburgh
BSc Computer Science
After studing the basics of Computer Science, I discovered my passion for Human-Computer Interaction. My thesis was on educational games for children with Autism.
First Class with Honours
Supervisor: Dr Helen Pain
EXPERIENCE
Professional Work Experience
Jun 2018 -
Aug 2018
Research Intern
LFCS, School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh
Supervised by Sam Lindley and Daniel Hillerström, I developed an application in the functional research programming language Links. I have shown that React's event handler be recreated with a specific feature in Links.
Jun 2017 -
Aug 2017
Technology Intern
Deutsche Bank, London
I divided my time between two projects. The first one introduced the agile methodology throughout the bank, which included design thinking workshops and branding work. For the second project, I developed components for an internal dashboard application.
Jun 2016 -
Sep 2016
Software Engineering Intern
Testberichte.de (Producto AG), Berlin
I have implemented a filterable keyword search based on Elasticsearch using Java and SQL with a fully functioning Angular JS test client.
Feb 2016 -
ongoing
Personal Tutor via WhatsApp
Duden Learnattack GmbH, Remote
I am offering support for German pupils in English and Maths via WhatsApp, including help with homework and revision.
Teaching Support
Course
Human-Computer Interaction
Position / Year
Marker
since 2019/2020
Tutor
since 2019/2020
Teaching Assistant
since 2020/2021
The Human Factor: Working with Users
Marker
since 2019/2020
Tutor
since 2018/2019
Case Studies in Design Informatics 1
Marker
2020/2021
Tutor
2019-2021
Usable Security and Privacy
Marker
2018 - 2020, 2022/2023
Design Informatics Project
Marker
2019 -2021
Mentor
2019-2021