Christine Julien joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about the Internet of Things (IOT), exploring its definition, potential vulnerabilities, and the implications of using smart devices, especially for children. Julien stressed the importance of security and privacy when using IOT devices, particularly during the gift-giving season and shared insights on navigating these complexities with an aim of balancing the enjoyment and security.

About Julien

Julien is head of the Department of Computer Science in Virginia Tech’s College of Engineering. Her research has focused on engineering software that supports a range of smart devices and environments. This includes the use of advanced networking technologies to provide opportunities for children to move independently around their neighborhoods while staying safe through remote connections to parents and guardians and improved sensing and networking for the Internet of Things.

Lavinia Uscatescu and Hunter Tufarelli joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about the importance of understanding and accommodating neurodivergent individuals in various environments, particularly social gatherings during the holiday season. The pair shared the impact environmental factors can have on neurodivergent individuals, as well as the significance of predictability and communication in social settings. As a person with autism, Tufarelli also shared her first-hand experiences and the importance of embracing self-care.

About Uscatescu

Uscatescu is research assistant professor in the Department of Psychology and oversees the Personalized Prediction Lab. Her research interests include using neuroimaging and eye tracking data to better understand autism, psychosis, and related conditions with a focus on developing more inclusive, neurodiversity-friendly environmental settings and psychological testing strategies.

Tufarelli is a sophomore studying psychology and a research assistant in Uscatescu’s lab.

Yan Chen joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance teaching and peer instruction in classrooms. Chen believes one potential use for AI, specifically large language models, is to monitor and analyze peer interactions in real-time. He shared the platform he and colleagues have created to do this, called VizPI, which aims to provide instructors with insights and recommendations to create a more engaging and personalized learning environment for students.

About Chen

Chen is an assistant professor of computer science and directs the Programming with Intelligent Machines and Environments Lab. He is active in the Human-Computer Interaction research community, with projects spanning support tools, learning at scale, real-time data analysis, and computer science education.