Meet The Research Team
This project was supported by a multidisciplinary team of four undergraduate students—two participating through Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program (URAP) and two completing Independent Studies—representing CS+Advertising, Graphic Design/Advertising, and Industrial Design.
Thea Abang (URAP)
Thea Abang is a freshman studying Computer Science + Advertising student in the College of Media at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Her academic interests center on data-driven problem solving, computational analysis, and interdisciplinary research connecting technology and user experience. As a student researcher, she contributes technical and analytical expertise to projects exploring usability, engagement, and design-informed digital experiences.
Pihu Chawra (URAP)
Pihu Chawra is a sophomore majoring in Industrial Design in the College of Fine and Applied Arts at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Her research focuses on human-centered design and the intersection of creativity, functionality, and user engagement. Through collaborative research projects, she applies design thinking methodologies to investigate how visual communication and product usability shape user interaction and accessibility.
R. Talagadadeevi * Research Experience in Advertising
R. Talagadadeevi is a senior studying Graphic Design in the College of Fine and Applied Arts at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Their work emphasizes visual storytelling, communication design, and user-focused creative strategy. As a student researcher, they contribute expertise in visual systems and design communication to interdisciplinary research examining usability, engagement, and audience experience.
Glyce Mitchell * Research Experience in Advertising
Glyce Mitchell is a sophomore pursuing a dual focus in Computer Science and Advertising within the College of Media at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. His academic and research interests combine computing, media strategy, and digital communication. He contributes to research projects that analyze user engagement and usability through both technical development and audience-centered communication approaches.