VRAC

We are proud to share that Natasha Lambert, an HCI Master of Science Creative Component student, has been selected to receive a GPSS Leadership Award in recognition of her leadership and service to the graduate and professional student community at Iowa State University.

The award committee evaluated applicants on their demonstrated leadership, sustained service, and positive impact across their department, the university, and the broader community. Natasha’s contributions stood out.

Please join us in congratulating her on this well‑deserved recognition. Her leadership strengthens the graduate and professional student experience at Iowa State University, and we appreciate the meaningful impact of her service.

https://www.vrac.iastate.edu/hci/natasha-lambert-wins-leadership-award/

INTERVIEW DAY FOR FALL 2026 PROSPECTIVE HCI STUDENTS

Join us for Interview Day for Prospective HCI Students, an event designed for Fall 2026 applicants interested in pursuing an MS Thesis or PhD in Human Computer Interaction. This event will take place on Tuesday, February 24, at Iowa State University.

Applicants will have the opportunity to meet with HCI faculty members to explore potential research assistantship openings. Apply now to be considered!

Eligibility: Applicants must currently reside in the United States to be eligible for an invitation to this event.

Benefits: All invited Fall 2026 applicants will have their transportation, meals, and lodging fully covered.

Links:

Overview of the Human Computer Interaction Graduate Program ↗️

Doctor of Philosophy in Human Computer Interaction ↗️

The MS in Human Computer Interaction is an interdisciplinary degree program ↗️

VRAC FACULTY SPOTLIGHT: MIKO WILFORD

Miko Wilford, associate professor of psychology, is leading research into one of the most consequential yet under-examined aspects of the U.S. criminal justice system: plea bargaining. Her work explores how individuals, including the innocent, are pressured into pleading guilty when faced with stark sentencing disparities. Wilford’s findings reveal that large gaps between plea deals and potential trial sentences can compel even innocent defendants to accept guilt, raising serious concerns about fairness and accuracy in the system.

Her research applies psychological science to uncover how legal actors, often with good intentions, may inadvertently contribute to wrongful convictions. With over 90% of U.S. criminal cases resolved through guilty pleas, Wilford’s work highlights the urgent need for reform grounded in data and human behavior.

🔗 Read the full article
https://research.iastate.edu/faces-of-discovery/miko-wilford/

We are thrilled to announce and celebrate the recent promotions of our esteemed faculty members:
* Jonathan Claussen - Promotion to Professor (Already Tenured)
* Jan Boyles - Promotion to Professor (Already Tenured)
* Stephen Gilbert - Promotion to Professor (Already Tenured)
* Adarsh Krishnamurthy - Promotion to Professor (Already Tenured)
* Elizabeth Stegemoller - Promotion to Professor (Already Tenured)
* Cody Fleming - Award of Tenure as Associate Professor

Every summer we get to meet and work with awesome interns from all over the USA in our REU program. Are you going to be one of them next summer?

REU 2024 Summer Experience