Introducing our C3 team! I’m very fortunate to work with an inspiring team of curious, engaged and hardworking students. Our brainstorming discussions and research walks are such a blast. This research would not be possible without them.
In alphabetical order by first name:
I am AbduMalek Ben Issa, a Computer Science undergraduate student at the University of Calgary with a strong interest in cybersecurity, IT infrastructure, and building software that makes a tangible difference in people’s lives. I am especially passionate about creating technology for the health sector that improves accessibility and the quality of care. Currently, I am working as a Software Engineer Intern at Calgary Social Enterprise RadiCare Ventures, a social enterprise partnered with the C3 Lab, where I focus on automating workflows within internal systems and contributing to web development projects that help RadiCare better serve vulnerable communities. This is part of a Mitacs-funded BSI Internship, supervised by Bill Zheng (Founder and Managing Director, Radical Ventures) and Dr. Helen Ai He (Academic Supervisor). I enjoy hackathons, participating in entrepreneurship challenges, and discovering new ideas and opportunities around me, and my goal is to grow as a developer and problem solver while building software that connects technology with meaningful everyday impact. I am always happy to connect with others and work together to solve problems around us :)!
Hi! My name is Ahsan Tariq and I’m a Computer Science (Honours) undergraduate student at the University of Calgary with a deep interest in software development, research, and building meaningful technology. Currently, I’m developing an Apple Vision Pro application simulating vision impairments using Swift and ARKit as part of an undergraduate research project funded by Alberta Innovates. I’ve also built full-stack applications using technologies like React, Node.js, and AWS, and I’m especially excited by projects that combine technical challenge with social impact. Before transitioning into tech, I completed a diploma in Civil Engineering Technology at SAIT. This foundation honed my analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, which now strengthen my approach to technical projects and research. I enjoy leading initiatives that support others: as VP External for the UCalgary Competitive Programming Club, I’ve helped organize weekly algorithm tutorials, secured thousands in sponsorships, and connected peers to research opportunities. Outside of academics, I continue to volunteer with the Alberta Children’s Hospital, and bring empathy and energy to every space I’m part of. I am BSc student supervised by Prof. Christian Jacob and co-supervised by Prof. Helen Ai He.
Mark Altosaar designs technology to enhance well-being and human connection. At SMART Technologies, as a Product Manager, he led the creation of an educational platform used by millions of teachers, and at Philips Electronics in Hong Kong he guided consumer-focused product research. He later co-founded The Brightly Project (formerly LULIO/Good Brain Labs), creating game-based tools for teen mental health and leading the development of the award-winning “Know My Students” screening program for secondary schools. Now pursuing a PhD in Human-Computer Interaction at C3 Lab the University of Calgary, Mark explores how artificial intelligence can foster meaningful friendships and support well-being in everyday life.
Hi, I’m Paige So’Brien, a MSc. Computer Science student in the C3 Lab with a research focus on Human-Computer Interaction. I’m curious about all ways to combine art, psychology, and computer science to create technologies that help people. My current research is about designing a technology that incorporates art therapy-inspired activities to help individuals experiencing barriers to healthcare due to symptoms that are difficult to describe. I also have a background in data visualization and machine learning, having co-authored and presented “Towards Inline Natural Language Authoring for Word-Scale Visualizations” at the IEEE VIS 2024 conference. In addition, I am passionate about fostering student growth and wellbeing. I have been part of the Social Innovation Design Challenge initiative to facilitate connection between students and local industry within Calgary, and am always happy to hear from students about any ways I can help their experience at University of Calgary. Previously, I worked as an undergraduate research in C3 Lab, on designing an interface for post-secondary students that visualizes emotion, promotes journaling, and utilizes expressive arts. My motive for this project is to help alleviate feelings of stress that can often come from the student university experience.
PAST MEMBERS OF C3 LAB:
In alphabetical order, by first name:
Hey! I’m Anika Achari and I’m a fifth-year Honours Bachelor of Health Sciences student (Honours BHSc) at the Cumming School of Medicine. I completed a major in bioinformatics (2019-2023) during which time, I also completed my undergraduate thesis entitled: Machine Learning Models to Predict the Number of Hospitalizations for Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome as an undergraduate researcher in the Data Intelligence for Health Lab in the Centre for Health Informatics. I am now completing a minor in computer science and am currently being supervised by Dr. Helen Ai He. This year, I am working on developing unique Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning solutions to address the challenges faced by people with disabilities across Canada. This work won an Aspiring Innovator Award at the University of Calgary Undergraduate Research Symposium in 2023. My hope is that this work can lead to an accessible and barrier-free Canada in the future. As you can probably tell, I love anything relating to health, big data, AI/ML, and the ways in which we can use technology to solve social problems!
Hello, I’m David Wei (Undergraduate Researcher), supervised by Dr. Helen Ai He. I finished a Diploma in Information Technology, majoring in Software Development at SAIT in and I am now pursuing a bachelor’s in Computer Science at the University of Calgary. My current research project involves implementing an application for data consolidation for local newcomer programs in Calgary. The objective is to assess the extent to which providing easily accessible information in one centralized platform can assist Canadian newcomers in overcoming the hiring challenges they often encounter. As I am interested in automating processes with AI and Machine learning, I am attempting to make the information centralizing process autonomous. In my spare time, I do enjoy a good board game session!
Hello! I’m Ali Hazari (Undergraduate Researcher), working with Dr. Helen Ai He. I graduated from the University of Calgary with a B.A (Hons) in Psychology, where my research focused on post-concussive syndrome in different personality types. I decided to come back to the U of C to pursue a BSc. in Computer Science with a concentration in Human-Computer Interaction because it would allow me to combine the skills I learned from my previous degree with Computer Science. My interests are multifaceted and range from the creation of tangible technologies to foster connections between strangers in public spaces, to utilizing tools in computer science to create accessible digital therapies for those suffering from mental health disorders.
Hi, I’m Grace Ferguson, an NSERC USRA Undergraduate research assistant working in C3 Lab in 2021. I worked on a project to design self-disclosing chatbots to foster inclusive cultures in computer science classrooms.
Hi, I’m Mathilda Colins (Masters student in Computational Media Design), co-supervised by Prof. April Viczko, School of Creative and Performing Arts. I graduated from the University of Guelph with a major in Computing and a minor in Theatre Studies. I’m interested in how to make online interactions more emotionally fulfilling, and curious about how to build diverse and inclusive online communities. My thesis applies elements and principles of theatrical design to foster safe digital spaces in livestreams.
Hi, I’m Nathan Moton (Research Assistant, Engineering). I am working on the software implementation of a self-disclosing chatbot to promote inclusivity in introductory Computer Science classes. This project is a collaboration with Prof. Jonathan Hudson and funded by a Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Grant (SOTL).
Hi, I’m Priya Dhawka (Masters student in Computer Science), co-supervised by Prof. Wesley Willett, Interactions Lab. I graduated from Colgate University with a major in Computer science and a minor in German. My interests include issues of equity, power and transparency surrounding data production and visualization, and how to convey sensitive information to audiences who might not be ready to engage with said information.
Hi, I’m Quinn Goddard, a Research Assistant in Linguistics and Community Health Sciences. I am working on the human-bot dialogue design of a self-disclosing chatbot to promote inclusivity in introductory Computer Science classes. This project is a collaboration with Prof. Jonathan Hudson and C3 Lab.
Hi, I’m Teale Masrani (Masters student in Computer Science), co-supervised by Prof. Geoffrey Messier (Schulich School of Engineering). I graduated from the University of Calgary with a combined BSc in Computer Science and Psychology. At the C3 Lab, I’m looking at how to design for emergency housing shelters, and am currently working with the Calgary Drop-In Centre to design and build a data-navigation interface for shelter staff to more easily work with client data. Previously, I was a Research Assistant at the C3 Lab, exploring how social media interventions can promote mindfulness during contentious conversations between strangers. Check out our Medium article here!
PAST student supervision at the university of zurich:
Arthur Toenz (MSc Thesis, 2015, University of Zurich, Switzerland). Topic: Augmenting videoconference to visualize cross-cultural behavioral differences.
Jenny Schmid (BSc Thesis, 2017, University of Zurich, Switzerland). Topic: A cross-cultural email intervention to mitigate cross-cultural conflict. Co-published a paper at PACMHCI 2017 on automated feedback interventions to reveal cultural values and language barriers in a diverse, global virtual team.
The Mindful Academic 