HICE Lab

About the Lab

The HICE Lab (Human Interaction Computing and Education) is dedicated to advancing research and education at the intersection of human-computer interaction, artificial intelligence, and computing education. Our work explores how technology can enhance learning experiences while maintaining a focus on usability, accessibility, and ethical considerations.

We focus on designing and evaluating culture-oriented heuristics for web and learning technologies, understanding how LLMs and AI can support usability evaluation and teaching, and developing evidence-based improvements to learning at scale in computer science courses.

Meet the Principal Investigator

Dr. Sehrish Basir Nizamani is a Collegiate Assistant Professor of Computer Science and a Faculty Affiliate at the Center for Human-Computer Interaction and the Center for Future Work Places and Practices at Virginia Tech. Her research lies at the intersection of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and Digital Education. She is particularly interested in how Large Language Models (LLMs) are reshaping both education and interaction design.

Her current work explores the integration of LLMs into undergraduate computing courses to foster critical thinking, ethical reflection, and collaborative problem-solving. In parallel, she investigates how LLMs can be applied across various HCI phases to enhance interface design and user experiences. Her ongoing projects also examine the use of LLMs to evaluate classroom dynamics, focusing on posture, spatial layout, and engagement in smart learning environments.

Dr. Nizamani has authored and reviewed numerous research papers published in national and international journals and conferences. Additionally, she has played key roles in organizing conferences, including her current position as Chair of ACM CAPWIC 2026.

Research Areas

Human-Computer Interaction

Exploring usability principles and user-centered design in educational technology. Focus on culture-oriented heuristics for web and learning technologies.

Usability & Culture

Investigating how cultural preferences impact website design and user experience. Developing methodologies for domain and culture-specific usability evaluation.

AI in Education

Understanding how LLMs and AI can support usability evaluation, teaching, and learning. Developing evidence-based improvements to learning at scale in CS courses.