Hello, I am Fernando! I am a President’s Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Minnesota in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. I am a member of the GroupLens Research Center working with Profs. Dr. Lana Yarosh and Dr. Stevie Chancellor. I obtained a Ph.D. degree in Informatics from Indiana University’s Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering. I also hold a Master’s degree in Informatics from the University of Iowa’s Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Informatics.

Research
My research investigates the use of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) research methods with marginalized and vulnerable populations to design technologies with them rather than for them. I use surveys, interviews, observation, and participatory design methods in both in-person and online settings. In particular, I employ Participatory Design (PD) under the lenses of value-sensitive and speculative design to involve stakeholders in the design and development of a more ethical, inclusive, and equitable technology from the very beginning and throughout all the stages of the design process. I strive for amplifying the voice of those who are impacted by technology and allowing researchers and practitioners to be aware of potential negative impacts that such technologies may have on stakeholders.

Teaching & Mentorship
I have been an Instructor of Record as well as an Associate Instructor for a variety of courses in Informatics for undergraduate and graduate level during my PhD training. Examples of courses taught include Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction Design, Multimedia, and User Experience Design. I also worked as an Associate Instructor for master’s degree students in the HCI/d program working on their final capstone projects (catalogs: 2017 | 2018 | 2019 ).

I have also served as a mentor for underrepresented undergraduate students during the i3Program and the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) summer program at Indiana University and at the University of Minnesota. I also collaborated in the creation of the Luddy Ambassador Graduate Program at Indiana University to help with the on- boarding of prospective and incoming graduate students.