Aimen Gaba

Hi and welcome!

I’m a Computer Science PhD candidate at University of Massachusetts Amherst, graduating in August 2025 and currently on the job market. I work with Dr. Cindy Xiong Bearfield on research at the intersection of Human-Computer Interaction, Human-Centered AI, and Data Visualization.

My work focuses on how people understand and interact with machine learning systems and how thoughtful design can make these systems more fair, and inclusive. 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. Through this work, I create practical design guidelines that help teams build AI that better serves human needs.

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 baking up treats (my brownies are famous among friends). I love trying out recipes, snapping food pictures, and exploring beautiful hiking spots around the Bay Area. I’m also a swimmer, a cat lover, and a loyal Harry Potter re-watcher who is happiest curled up with a good book.