I am an assistant professor at the University of Tennessee, School of Information Sciences. My research focuses on Human Computer Interaction (HCI), Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICTD), and Ubiquitous Computing. I am specifically interested in investigating the role of sensor-based technologies in resource constrained households. I conduct design-oriented studies in resource-constrained settings, where I collaborate with local technicians and families to design, develop and deploy sensor-based technologies.

Before joining UT, I was a presidential postdoctoral fellow in the Human Computer Interaction Institute at Carnegie Mellon University. I completed a Ph.D. in Information and Media at Michigan State University under the supervision of Dr. Susan Wyche. I also received my master's degree in Media and Information—specializing in Human Computer Interaction—from Michigan State University. I pursued an undergraduate degree with a double major in computer science and physics at the University of Malawi.

I am a recipient of the 2021 Google Ph.D Fellowship in Human Computer Interaction. I was a fellow in the Data Science for Social Good program; a program affiliated with the University of Washington’s eScience Institute. I used my expertise in machine learning, natural language processing and deep learning to contribute to a project on identifying disinformation in online news articles. I have also participated in the Global Innovation Exchange (University of Washington and Tsinghua University) where I practiced a variety of human-centered design methods to develop novel sensing techniques, user-friendly interfaces, and cutting-edge computer technologies.