In the fast-paced era of innovation where breakthroughs are a constant occurrence, a Penn State geography alumna is actively engaged in harnessing the potential of new technologies to redefine our interactions with technology and the world.
Meet Mahda Bagher, a 2022 Ph.D. graduate, whose journey has propelled her to the forefront of groundbreaking research in the realms of virtual reality (VR) and human-computer interaction (HCI).
In July, Bagher secured a position at Meta as a UX (user experience) research scientist in their Reality Labs, where she is a member of the Haptic Experience Research Science (HXRS) team. Bagher specializes in exploring embodied interactions within extended reality technologies (XR), which include augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), and VR .
“As a GIS specialist I have always been captivated by how humans perceive and understand spatial data,” Bagher said. “One of the most valuable aspects of my time as a geographer at Penn State was the comprehensive training I received to become a transdisciplinary researcher. Working with diverse scientific fields significantly expanded my research perspective.”
In 2016, Bagher joined the former Chorophronesis Lab in the Department of Geography, working under the guidance of professor Alexander Klippel, who is now at Wageningen University. Their goal was to visualize 3-D data into VR, which is an inherently three-dimensional platform. To interact with geographical objects in a 3-D environment allows the users to use their hands and body instead of relying solely on a mouse and keyboard. The collaboration between researchers from different disciplines has proven particularly valuable for her position at Meta Reality Labs, Bagher said. The activities of the Chronophronesis Lab are now housed in Penn State’s Center for Immersive Experiences.
For her dissertation, Bagher delved into the realm of VR to visualize earthquake locations across the globe. Her aim was to create an embodied 3-D experience for students studying geosciences, enabling them to better grasp subsurface data and enhance their learning outcomes.
“The exploration of embodied interaction within VR was a significant aspect of this project, which ultimately contributed to joining the HXRS team at Meta Reality Labs,” Bagher said. “This virtual experience was seamlessly integrated into an introductory geosciences course during the pandemic when physical labs were inaccessible. It allowed students to study plate boundaries and earthquake events from the comfort of their homes, ensuring uninterrupted learning opportunities.”
As the Chronophronesis Lab evolved into the Center for Immersive Experiences in the Institute for Computational and Data Sciences, the collaboration between researchers from different disciplines was further enhanced. Bagher said this has proven particularly valuable for her position at Meta Reality Labs.
“Many individuals often express concerns about becoming transdisciplinary, fearing that they may lose their deep knowledge expertise in a specific field,” Bagher said. “However, I firmly believe that embracing a transdisciplinary approach is crucial for success in today’s rapidly advancing technological landscape. Geographers are trained to think this way. Moreover, during my academic journey, I acquired the skills necessary to be a responsible researcher capable of crafting effective research designs. This enables me to generate meaningful outcomes that not only push the boundaries of the field but also have a tangible impact on users’ experiences with specific products.”
In her new role at Meta Reality Labs, Bagher remains connected to Penn State and is committed to supporting current geography students in their career paths. Her contributions to the Center for Immersive Experiences and her involvement as an external board member in curriculum redesign exemplify her dedication to giving back to the academic community that shaped her journey.
To aspiring researchers interested in the field of HCI and XR, Bagher offers valuable advice:
“Embrace a transdisciplinary approach and actively seek collaborations with other departments or disciplines,” Bagher said. “This will provide a broader perspective and enhance your understanding of the subjects you are passionate about.”
MAHDA’S ADVICE FOR STUDENTS INTERESTED IN THE FIELD OF HCI
1. Maintain a transdisciplinary mindset: Embrace a multidisciplinary approach and actively seek collaborations with other departments or disciplines. This will provide a broader perspective and enhance your understanding of the subjects you are passionate about.
2. Pursue interdisciplinary opportunities: Look for internships or summer projects that bridge geography with human-computer interaction and virtual reality. These experiences will allow you to apply your geographical knowledge in practical contexts and gain hands-on experience.
3. Stay updated on industry advancements: Keep yourself informed about the latest advancements, trends, and emerging technologies. Follow industry news, research papers, and relevant blogs to stay up to date.
4. Build a strong portfolio: Develop a portfolio that showcases your projects, internships, or research. This portfolio will serve as a tangible demonstration of your skills and experiences, making it easier to showcase your capabilities to potential employers or academic programs.
5. Develop technical skills: Focus on acquiring technical skills that are relevant to your desired path. This may include programming languages, 3D modeling and animation, and user interface design. These technical skills will be essential for working effectively in these fields.
6. Embrace lifelong learning: Recognize the importance of being a continuous learner. Stay curious, seek out new knowledge, and be open to learning new technologies, methodologies, and concepts throughout your career. Being adaptable and eager to learn will help you stay relevant in this rapidly evolving field.