About

History

I am currently a PhD student in the Human-Computer Interaction Institute at Carnegie Mellon University. I work with Anind Dey and Jodi Forlizzi. My research is on human-computer interaction and personal informatics. I develop technologies that help people collect and reflect on information about themselves.

I attended the University of Washington for my undergraduate work. I completed two degrees: Computer Science and Interdisciplinary Visual Arts. When I entered college, I planned to become an aeronautical engineer taking inspiration from the airplanes that flew from Boeing Field near Beacon Hill. However, enthralled by computer animation, I changed my major to computer science. After spending a year making a short animation, I changed directions again and pursued research in human-computer interaction.

I spent my early childhood in the Philippines. I moved to Seattle when I was 12.

Hobbies

• Karate. I started practicing Seido Karate with my instructor Jodi Forlizzi (who is also my co-advisor) when I started my PhD.
• Motorcycle. I have had two motorcycles. My first one was Elle, a 1989 Kawasaki Eliminator EL250. My current one is Kat, a 2004 Kawasaki Ninja EX250.
• Rachel Carson Trail Challenge. I have participated in this challenge every year since 2005. The challenge is to hike 35 miles in one day, from sun up to sun down.
• Web Design. Check out the websites I have created.
• Drawing. I have been drawing since I was little.