Hi, my name is Abena (she/her)! I am a Ph.D. student in the Robotics Institute at Carnegie Mellon University advised by Dr. Aaron Steinfeld.
My research interests are at the intersection of human-machine interaction, design research, and accessibility. I am broadly interested in applying human-centered design approaches to design robot-mediated interfaces and technologies to support people with disabilities. My most recent work has focused on using an understanding of haptic and spatial perception to design haptic interfaces and robotic mobility aids for people who are blind or have low vision.
I completed my B.S. in Mechanical Engineering at Stanford University. During my undergraduate studies, I was fortunate to work as an undergraduate researcher in SHAPE Lab under the supervision of Dr. Sean Follmer, at the Clayman Institute for Gender Research with Dr. Melissa Abad, and at the Stanford Graduate School of Education with Dr. John Willinsky.
I am passionate about uncovering technology solutions that enable people to live empowered lives. If you are interested in collaborating, send me an email with your interests!
When I am not doing research, you can find me doing yoga, bouldering, rollerblading, creating artwork, or playing with my cat, Bee!