Samantha Chan
PhD Candidate
University of Auckland
About
I am a PhD Candidate at the Augmented Human Lab, University of Auckland. I explore and create technologies which extend human memory and cognition.
I completed my BEng at Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD). Formerly an undergraduate researcher at SUTD-Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) International Design Center in Robotics, Community Design and Additive Manufacturing. During breaks, I make short-films and play the ukulele, acoustic and electric bass guitar.
Download my CV
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Cognition-Aware Computing
- Design
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PhD, 2018 to Present
University of Auckland
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BEng in Engineering Product Development, 2016
Singapore University of Technology and Design
Vision
My research aims to build the next generation of “memory augmentation” technologies, which use “biosignals” (physiological responses) to peer deeper into people’s cognitive context and states, to give just-in-time memory training and assistance.
Project Prospero explores the use of biosignals of heart rate variability and skin conductance to detect calmness (cognitve context) for opportunistic memory training.
Project ProspecFit investigates the digitisation of an effective memory training technique to use on smartphones.
Project MEye (work-in-progress) explores the use of eye-movements and other biosignals to detect intentions to recall information in order to provide adaptive memory assistance.
Key Projects
fSense
Using heart-rate sensors in smartwatches to sense force during gestures and grasps
2018
ProspecFit
Digitally facilitating an effective memory training technique on smartphones
2018
Beyond Performance
Understanding cognitive-affective states in kindergarteners
2017
Saber
Building personal duel-worthy ‘lightsaber’ for fun and fitness
2017 to 2019
National Library
Reimagining childrens' green library in Singapore
2016
Salamander
Amphibious rolling robot for search-and-rescue and marine biology surveys
2015
Compression Sportswear
Designing modular sportswear to enhance runners' performance and blood circulation
2014
Film
Collection of short-films
2014 to 2019
3D Printers
Designing reliable low-cost 3D printers
2013
Research & Design Projects
fSense
Using heart-rate sensors in smartwatches to sense force during gestures and grasps
2018
ProspecFit
Digitally facilitating an effective memory training technique on smartphones
2018
Beyond Performance
Understanding cognitive-affective states in kindergarteners
2017
Saber
Building personal duel-worthy ‘lightsaber’ for fun and fitness
2017 to 2019
National Library
Reimagining childrens' green library in Singapore
2016
Salamander
Amphibious rolling robot for search-and-rescue and marine biology surveys
2015
Compression Sportswear
Designing modular sportswear to enhance runners' performance and blood circulation
2014
Film
Collection of short-films
2014 to 2019
3D Printers
Designing reliable low-cost 3D printers
2013
Side Projects
fSense
Using heart-rate sensors in smartwatches to sense force during gestures and grasps
2018
ProspecFit
Digitally facilitating an effective memory training technique on smartphones
2018
Beyond Performance
Understanding cognitive-affective states in kindergarteners
2017
Saber
Building personal duel-worthy ‘lightsaber’ for fun and fitness
2017 to 2019
National Library
Reimagining childrens' green library in Singapore
2016
Salamander
Amphibious rolling robot for search-and-rescue and marine biology surveys
2015
Compression Sportswear
Designing modular sportswear to enhance runners' performance and blood circulation
2014
Film
Collection of short-films
2014 to 2019
3D Printers
Designing reliable low-cost 3D printers
2013
Experience
- Conducted training for fabrication equipment use (laser-cutters, 3D-printers, CNC machines).
- Assisted and advised students on developing their creative and entrepreneurial projects.
- Facilitated workshops on topics including Arduino, Makey-Makey robots, AR/VR in Unity.
- Developed mobile wireless control for amphibious rolling robot via MIT AppInventor and Arduino.
- Designed flexible 3D-printed sleeve in Solidworks to enhance robot’s land and water movement.
- Research work resulted in a publication, was demoed in Europe Maker Faire 2015 and featured on Discovery Channel Canada.
- Conducted community design workshops, feedback and interviews with residents of Phu Xuan.
- Co-designed and built community space including a bamboo playground with residents, project team and students from local Vietnamese universities.
- Project resulted in a design report booklet and received the SUTD Humanitarian Award.
- Designed compression sportswear prototype, which could enhance runners' performance and blood circulation, using Adobe Illustrator and Rhinoceros 3D software.
- Work was exhibited in Zhejiang University in 2014, SUTD in 2014 and 2015.
- Built and analysed open-source 3D printer designs to develop reliable and low-cost designs.
- Developed two prototypes based on findings which were demoed in Singapore Maker Faire 2015.
Awards and Honours
Publications
I publish in premier venues in Human-Computer Interactions such as IMWUT (Ubicomp) and CHI. Filter publications
Contact
I am seeking research internship opportunities. Drop me a note for research/industry collaborations and invited talks:
- samantha[at]ahlab.org
- 70 Symonds Street, Auckland, Grafton, New Zealand 1010