Dr. Carman Neustaedter and the Connections Lab (cLab) are looking for new graduate students (Master’s or PhD) to join our group in Fall 2017. Positions are limited and highly competitive, so only the best candidates will be considered.
Applicants should email [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]> prior to October 15, 2016 to discuss their interests. You must include all of the following or your email will not receive a reply:
1. a description of research interests related to the lab’s existing research
2. a curriculum vitae
3. a copy of your unofficial transcript
4. a picture of you acting like a superhero
Why do we want to see a superhero photo? We want to see your creativity, personality, and your design and media skills. Plus we want to make sure you’re a real person.
CLAB - http://clab.iat.sfu.ca <http://clab.iat.sfu.ca/>
The Connections Lab (cLab) is a research group, led by Dr. Carman Neustaedter at Simon Fraser University's School of Interactive Arts and Technology (SIAT). Our group specializes in the areas of human-computer interaction, domestic computing, interaction design, and computer-supported cooperative work. We study the design and use of technologies aimed at supporting the everyday activities of families. Many of our research projects focus on the study and design of family communication systems and pervasive games for families. We take an application-level focus where we use mostly qualitative methods to investigate the social and cultural routines and practices of people using technology (as opposed to the study and design of low-level user interaction techniques).
We have a strong research and publishing record with numerous papers in top tier HCI and CSCW conferences each year. See our publications web page for details and note the volume of papers listed each year: http://clab.iat.sfu.ca/publications/ <http://clab.iat.sfu.ca/publications/> This is the direct result of super awesome graduate students working closely with their supervisor.
Our research group prides itself on a strong collaborative culture with a friendly and engaging atmosphere. New students will be expected to work well with others and be similarly awesome.
NEW PROJECTS
New graduate students will work on research projects related to:
- mobile and wearable video streaming technologies (e.g., Google Glass, GoPro) for outdoor activities (e.g., running, walking, hiking, sports)
- pervasive games and social play amongst families (e.g., geocaching, location-based treasure hunts, leisure activities)
- the use of telepresence robots and human proxies for remote embodiment in environments like classrooms and conferences
THE SCHOOL OF INTERACTIVE ARTS & TECHNOLOGY (SIAT) - http://siat.sfu.ca <http://siat.sfu.ca/>
Simon Fraser University (SFU) has consistently been ranked as one of the top universities in Canada. SIAT is a young, vibrant department at Simon Fraser University with research and teaching in human-computer interaction, interaction design, and media arts. Graduate students take a selection of courses in qualitative or quantitative research methods, computation, interaction design, or media arts. They also complete a written thesis containing a substantial research component. Expected completion time is 2 years for a thesis-based Master’s degree and 4 years for a PhD.
SIAT is located at the SFU Surrey campus located in Greater Vancouver, Canada, within the suburb of Surrey. Greater Vancouver lies along the west coast of Canada where the Pacific Ocean meets the Coast Mountain range. With a population of over 2 million people, Greater Vancouver is known as one of the most ethnically diverse cities in Canada and has been ranked as one of the most liveable cities in the world based on quality of life. Vancouver is a great destination for those who love the outdoors (e.g., skiing, hiking, water sports) as well as the indoors (e.g., museums, art, theatre, hockey!).
SKILLS NEEDED
In order to be considered you must have:
- a Bachelor or Master’s degree in HCI, interaction design, industrial design, computer science (or related fields) with a GPA that meets SFU’s admission requirements (URL is below)
- strong programming proficiency (web and mobile phone development preferred)
- strong design skills (web and mobile)
- good written and oral communication skills
- a demonstration of strong interest in the projects you have engaged with
- at least one superpower of your own determination
- a sense of humor
FUNDING
Full funding will be provided at levels commensurate with other Canadian and American universities as long as adequate progress is made in the graduate program. Students receive full funding to attend international conferences (e.g., ACM CHI, DIS, CSCW) to present their published papers.
Students are also typically sought after for internships with our industrial collaborators. These include major international software development companies within Canada, the United States, and Europe.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Once you have discussed your interest in joining cLab with Carman (see instructions above), you will follow SIAT’s normal graduate student application process <http://www.sfu.ca/siat/grad/admissions.html>.
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