Hi, my name is

HUmmd alikhan

Research aSSISTANT AND Phd student

I am a Ph.D. student in the Information School at the University of Washington. In the broadest sense, my research interests include data sovereignty, conceptualizations of personhood, and the social and socioeconomic implications of smart city initiatives. I am advised by Lindah Kotut. If you’re interested in learning more about my research or would like to collaborate, please feel free to get in touch with me.

Publications & Projects

Education & Experience

2016-2020

Cornell University

BA in Information Science and Government. Minor in Law.

2018

Intern – Human rights watch

I participated in advocacy, managed databases, executed outreach initiatives, created documents to showcase research results for donor relations, and contributed to research on coal mining practices for Human Rights Watch.

2019

product development intern – Halosentient

Conducted research, guided R&D decisions on technology design ethics and privacy, and edited CSIRP documents for cybersecurity consulting clients.

2020-2021

Privacy tech analyst – Aleada Consulting

Established and maintained complex Data Inventories for our clients. Researched upcoming privacy legislative changes in order to keep the firm aware of potential operative changes.

2021-2022

Senior analyst – aleada consulting

Effectively managed project timelines, drafted deliverables, and provided regular status updates to up to 9 clients concurrently, including Atlassian and Wikimedia, while integrating privacy research into internal and external recommendations and spearheading employee training initiatives.

2022-2023

Teaching assistant – uw ischool

Facilitated courses such as Gender and Information Technology, as well as research methods and design methods. Skilled in guiding students through course materials, leading discussions, and providing valuable academic support to enhance learning outcomes.

2022-PRESENT

PhD Student – UW iSchool

Proficient in conducting independent research, analyzing complex data sets, and collaborating with peers and faculty to advance knowledge in Human Computer Interaction. Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate findings through presentations, publications, and academic writing. Eager to contribute to the scholarly community and make meaningful contributions to the field.

2023-present

RESEARCH ASSISTANT – uW ISCHOOL

Dedicated research assistant adept at supporting project management, conducting thorough literature reviews, and analyzing data to contribute insights in HCI. Proficient in drafting reports, coordinating with team members, and employing research methodologies to advance project objectives.

My Passions

01.

User research

My professional passion lies in the intersection of human-computer interaction and tech policy research, where I hope to user behaviors, craft user-friendly interfaces, and drive innovation while ensuring ethical and equitable deployment through informed policy frameworks.

02.

Teaching

I find immense joy in fostering a dynamic learning environment where students are engaged, empowered, and inspired to explore new ideas. With a dedication to facilitating understanding and growth, I strive to cultivate critical thinking skills, encourage active participation, and nurture a supportive community of learners.

03.

Graphic Design

Whether crafting compelling visuals for projects or simply enhancing everyday experiences with creative design elements, I enjoy leveraging graphic design to communicate ideas and express my creativity across all facets of life.