Learn more about our guest:
https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=m9KnomIAAAAJ&hl=en
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Jason and Clara have had the pleasure of getting to know Anna quite well, as we have been working on an independent study project together, with Anna serving as their advisor. Anna is an energetic, talkative, and joyful person with whom to converse. Despite having known each other since February, we hadn't had the chance to sit down and discuss their personal experiences and thoughts on HCI.
As we looked into Anna's academic journey, which included transitions from Spain, France, public policy, and now to human-computer interaction and virtual reality, we became increasingly curious about her restless journey. Anna never stops exploring new fields and firmly believes that it's never too late to pursue one's interests. Her words are great for soothing the anxiety we feel during this difficult time of job hunting, and to think about the more essential things that drive us into the field. Just keep the initial enthusiasm, and worry less about the outcome. After all, there's no right or wrong path! Without further ado, here is their conversation with Anna!
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Topic Covered:
00:00 - Introduction
01:00 - Anna’s journey before transiting to human-computer interaction (HCI)
05:50 - How Anna’s previous experience influenced her research in HCI
07:28 - The reason why Anna chose to pursue a Ph.D. degree but not MS
10:26 - Anna’s doctoral research focus
12:30 - Interest-driven versus practical planning while doing doctoral research - Research through play!
14:54 - Anna’s suggestions to prospective Ph.D. students
16:50 - Teaching assistants experiences at CMU
19:37 - Recommended courses at CMU
23:37 - How did Anna pick up her interests in VR/AR
33:20 - Anna’s thoughts and reflections on career and academic stress and pressure
36:00 - Anna’s suggestions for herself back in 20ish: “You were trying to figure things out, and that’s good. Enjoy your 20s, don’t be too serious. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Just trying different things. And there’s no right or wrong path.”
