Kristin Williams

I am an Assistant Professor in the school of Computer Science at Emory University.

Upcycling IoT:
I research how we can make programming cutting-edge technologies so approachable anyone could imbue them with their own meanings and ways of life. Today, small groups use their material environment to organize and manage daily life in idiosyncratic ways that resist generalization. To fit its context, the Internet of Things (IoT) will need to be customizable, accessible, and sustainable. I work alongside communities to design, prototype, and develop this kind of IoT in a way that considers

Recently, my research has focused on using paper-based computing, wireless networking, and fabrication to create approach for programming and embedding highly customized IoT ideas. Instead of replacing everyday objects with internet enhanced equivalents, I uncover ways to incorporate existing possessions into an IoT ecosystem as a form of upcycling. In the past, I have worked on topics in personal informatics, wearable computing, augmented reality, cognitive disabilities, information visualization, and web accessibility.

I received a PhD from the Human Computer Interaction Institute at Carnegie Mellon University's School of Computer Science. I was advised by Scott Hudson and Jess Hammer. I was also part of the wonderful research groups the Devlab and the OH! Lab.

I am looking for students who want to contribute to making computing creative, sustainable, and equitable.

This includes students who will be enrolled at Emory in the Fall or those who would like to apply to the master's or PhD program. Please get in touch if this sounds like you.

Selected Publications (Peer Reviewed)

Other Writings (Light Peer Review + Invited Articles)

Theses