I am a User Experience Researcher at Microsoft in the Connected Systems Division. My current work focuses on studying developers in the workplace and evaluating Application Programming Interfaces. My general research interests are in Human Computer Interaction (HCI) and Computer Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW). My specific research interests lie at the intersection of creativity, digital libraries, community computing, and end user programming.

I recently finished my PhD in Information Sciences and Technology at Penn State in August 2008 (download dissertation). I worked for the Computer Supported Collaboration and Learning Lab and Center for Human Computer Interaction as a research assistant. My advisor was John M. Carroll.

In summer of 2007, I worked for SRI International (formerly known as Stanford Research Institute) on two projects. During my work with the Policy Division of the Center for Technology in Learning, I analyzed weak social ties in Tapped In, an online community for education professionals. With the Artificial Intelligence Center, I designed and conducted a usability evaluation of a recommender system for Platoon Leader, an online community of practice for the United States military. I have also done two summer internships (2003, 2004) at IBM T.J. Watson Research Center. 

Prior to Penn State, I conducted research for the Center for Human Computer Interaction at Virginia Tech where I also earned my MS degree in Computer Science (2002). My thesis focused on the design and development of a handheld software prototype to supplement collaborative interactions in MOOsburg, an online virtual community. My advisor was John M. Carroll.

I completed my BS degree in computer science (2000) from the National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences (NUCES), Islamabad, Pakistan. NUCES was established by the Foundation for Advancement of Science and Technology (FAST).