Aimen Gaba

Hi and welcome!

I’m a Computer Science PhD candidate at University of Massachusetts Amherst, working with Dr. Cindy Xiong Bearfield at the intersection of Human-Computer Interaction, Human-Centered AI, and Data Visualization. My research focuses on Advancing Responsible AI through Human-Centered Evaluation methods. I use mixed-methods approach to understand people’s perception of AI systems and create practical design guidelines that can help make these systems more fair, and inclusive. More specifically, I study how elements like language and visual design shape users’ trust and perceptions of bias, especially for people from gender-diverse and historically marginalized communities.

I am currectly on the job market applying to both industry and academic roles, expected to graduate in August 2025.

Along this journey, I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with some inspiring researchers including Yuriy Brun, Emily Wall, Vidya Setlur, Arjun Srinivasan, and Jane Hoffswell.

Before embarking on my PhD journey, I worked for about 2 years after completing my bachelors in Computer Science from Lahore University of Management Sciences (Lahore, Pakistan) advised by Suleman Shahid. During this time, I worked on creating and designing educational games for children (2D and 3D), and as a UX/UI designer for educational platforms.

Outside of work, I’m a big foodie - always on the hunt for new cafes and food spots. I also occasionally bake (I make really good brownies and chicken bread if I may so myself). I love trying out new recipes, snapping food pictures, and exploring beautiful hiking spots around the Bay Area. I also enjoy swimming, and spending time with cats. But more often than not, you will find me re-watching the Harry Potter series, Linday Lohan’s Parent Trap or just curled up reading a book in some corner.