REACH Lab

Reimagining Equity and Accessibility in Computing for Humanity

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Meet Our Principal Investigator

Dr. Ihudiya Finda Williams

Dr. Ihudiya Finda Williams

Assistant Professor at Virginia Tech’s Department of Computer Science

Dr. Williams is an Assistant Professor at Virginia Tech’s Department of Computer Science. She is a computer science researcher and designer whose work is at the intersection of identity, culture, and computing in the field of human-computer interaction (HCI).

Her research examines digital technology use among populations with low resources due to systemic injustices, and explores tech-enabled solutions to either highlight injustices or find future alternatives (i.e., anti-racist design).

She has received over $300,000 in grants and fellowships, including the Microsoft Research Dissertation Fellowship, GEM Fellowship, Generation Google Scholarship (formerly known as Google’s Women Techmakers Scholars), and the Rackham Graduate School Merit Fellowship.

Dr. Williams has completed research internships at Adobe Research and Microsoft Research. Prior to her PhD, she worked in industry as a software engineer and product manager at Xerox, Booz Allen Hamilton, and the U.S. Department of State.

Meet The Team

Nissi Otoo

Nissi Otoo

Undergraduate Research Assistant

"I am looking forward to enhancing research in Human-Computer Interaction and making a difference in engineering."

Varun Budati

Varun Budati

Undergraduate Research Assistant

"I’m passionate about understanding mathematics, algorithms, and finance, exploring their interconnectedness to unveil hidden patterns and forecast future trends, shaping endless possibilities."

Juno Bartsch

Juno Bartsch

Graduate Research Assistant

"I am dedicated to creating accessible, inclusive learning environments that promote equity and innovation in computer science education."

Alexa N. Smith

Alexa N. Smith

Graduate Research Assistant

"I am hopeful for a future where human-centered design principles are innate to the design and development of technology."

Carlos Augusto Bautista Isaza

Carlos Augusto Bautista Isaza

Gradute Research Assistant

"It is unacceptable to consider the consequences of socio-technical systems as unintended. We, as designers, developers, and scientists, must be accountable for the impacts our creations have on people’s lives."

Sarah Hevener

Sarah Hevener

Social Media Marketing Specialist

"I’m dedicated to using my skills to help others tell their stories."

Joi Burgess

Joi Burgess

Lab Assistant/Event Planner

Collaborators

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We are a world-class research lab dedicated to advancing equity and accessibility in computing.