Resume
Hi,
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My name is Morva. I am a Ph.D. student at the Department of Computer Science at Virginia Tech (VT), pursuing my doctoral degree in HCI major. I am also working as graduate research and teaching assistant at VT. I love to turn insights into products.
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In addition to my life as a graduate student, I like hiking with my friends, cooking different styles of food, and watching movies. I am a social person and enjoy talking with others to share ideas and stories.
Research Experience
2017-2019
Virginia Tech:
2021 - Present
SmarTrail and Thru‑Hikers
Uncovering the socio‑technological world of hikers to develop a cyber‑based information system.
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Collected and analyzed data from social media platforms (e.g., Instagram and Reddit)
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Coss-functionally worked with researchers in different areas (urban planning, computer science, recreation ecology) ‑
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Designed interview questions
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Methods: Social Medial Analysis, Interviews, Topic Modeling, Mixed method
2020 - Present
The Integration of Mindfulness and Wellness into Rural Exergames
Understanding user needs and investigating game features to design a mobile exergame to encourage users to be more active while engaging them more in nature.
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Conducted diary studies and focus groups of+40 participants
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Led a research team of two undergraduate students for the HCI capstone project.
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Methods: Diary Studies, Focus Groups, Personas, Heuristic Evaluation, Mixed method, Wireframing
2020 - Present
Shared Experiences through Remote Play
Exploring social experiences afforded by app/game/technology‑mediated and understanding design considerations for remote recreation solutions.
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Collaborated in a team focused on User‑Centered design process (user research, visioning, and concepts).
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Designed and analyzed diary studies of +90 participants.
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Conducted focus group sessions and Interviews.
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Methods: Surveys, Diary Studies, Focus Groups, Qualitative/Quantitative Analysis
2020 - Present
Teaching Assistant
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TA and Chief TA of ”Introduction to HCI” course for 4 semesters.
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TA of ”Information Visualization” course for one semester.
University of Tehran:
Master Thesis
Studying the Effect of Audio Features on Players’ Visual Attention Map contributing toward a Conceptual Audio‑Visual GameAttention Model for Efficient Bitrate Allocation in Cloud Gaming (Using Eye Tracking system).
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Methods: Experiment Design, Semi‑Structured Interviews, Qualitative/Quantitative Analysis
Education
2020 - Present
Virginia Tech(Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University)
Ph.D. in Computer Science and Applications
2016-2018
University of Tehran
M.Sc. in Information Technology Engineering
2011-2016
University of Tehran
Skills
& Expertise
B.Sc. in Information Technology Engineering
Programming Languages
Python, C/C++, Java, SQL, R, HTML/CSS/JS
Research Methods & Design
Evaluation Methods
Tools
Libraries and Frameworks
Surveys, Interviews, Diary Studies, Focus Groups, Observation, Personas, Prototyping, Experimental Design
Heuristic Evaluation, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Usability Testing, Social media Analysis, Data Visualization
Figma, LucidChart, Sketch, Miro, Balsamiq
D3.js, Pandas, PyTorch, Django, Ruby on Rails
Publications
IDC 2021
Designing Mobile Applications to Minimize Disorientation in Informal Learning Environments | Link
Best short paper honorable mention award
CSCW 2021
Parenting, Studying And Working At Home In A Foreign Country: How International Student MothersIn The US Use Screen Media For And With Their Young Children | Link
Full Paper
CHItaly 2021
Exergames and Nature | Link
Nature HCI Workshop
CHI Play 2021
A Study on Pokémon GO: Exploring the Potential of Location‑based Mobile Exergames in ConnectingPlayers with Nature | Link
Work-in-Progress Paper
CHI Play 2021
Toward a Design Theory of Game‑Mediated Social Experiences ‑ A Study of Among Us | Link
Work-in-Progress Paper
CHItaly 2021
Re (Connecting) through Shared Remote Outdoor Play | Link
Nature HCI Workshop
CHI 2020
Clash of times: Respectful technology space for integrating community stories in intangible exhibits | Link
Full Paper