About
I have always believed that design and technology are capable of more than just functionality; they have the power to inspire, connect, and reshape how we engage with the world. When applied thoughtfully, they can improve people’s lives, enhance the quality of our environments, and support planetary health. My journey began with a passion for aesthetics and cultural expression, rooted in early training in traditional ink painting, calligraphy, and dance. This sensitivity to form, composition, and movement continues to shape my interdisciplinary approach to research and teaching.
At age 26, I became the first Assistant Professor in Digital Design and Innovation at Heriot-Watt University. I now serve as Assistant Professor in Product Design at the University of Liverpool’s School of Engineering. My academic background spans Fine Arts, Media and Film Studies, Design, Immersive Computing, Colour Science, and Education disciplines I studied at leading institutions. My research focuses on two interlinked themes: designing technology for human well-being, and creating systems that also account for non-human actors—from ecosystems to artificial agents. I have published across AHCI, SCI, and SSCI-indexed journals, led projects on colour science, mental health, digital heritage, and biophilic design, and worked closely with industry partners to turn ideas into impactful real-world solutions.
Beyond research, I contribute actively to the academic community. I serve as Review Editor for Frontiers in Imaging (Imaging Applications), and regularly review for the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), and the InterAct Peer Review College. I also do peer reviews for major academic publishers, including Sage, Routledge (Taylor & Francis), Wiley, and Springer. I am a Fellow or member of several professional societies: the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA), the Higher Education Academy (HEA), the Design Research Society (DRS), the Royal Photographic Society (RPS), the International Colour Association (AIC), and the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM). These roles reflect my commitment to advancing cross-disciplinary innovation in design, technology, and human experience.
Prizes or Honours
- Pioneer in Education (PIE) Teaching Excellence Award (Shortlist) (Heriot-Watt University, 2023)