Team

PhD student, Biomedical and Health Informatics

My name is Manasi Parmar, and I am a PhD student in Biomedical and Health Informatics at the University of Illinois Chicago. I completed my Master’s degree in Management Information Systems, where I developed a strong interest in applying data science and computational methods to healthcare problems.

My research interests focus on integrating behavioral science with artificial intelligence to better understand human behavior, emotions, and cognitive states. I am particularly interested in affective computing, virtual reality, and human-computer interaction, with a focus on developing technologies that can recognize, interpret, and respond to human emotions and behavior. My interests are especially applied toward developing adaptive and human-centered technologies for healthcare and well-being. My previous research experience includes applying machine learning approaches to real-world healthcare problems using behavioral, physiological, and wearable sensor data.

Fun fact: I enjoy creating abstract art in my free time.

PhD student, Biomedical and Health Information Sciences

I am a PhD student in the Biomedical and Health Information Sciences program, with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Computer Science. During my master’s, I worked as a graduate researcher in a mobile health lab, where I developed an interest in using machine learning, wearable sensors, and mobile devices to design and deliver health interventions.

Building on this experience, my research interests focus on developing technology-driven solutions to support health interventions, patient education, and continuity of care using artificial intelligence, wearable technologies, and mobile devices. As I continue my research, I hope to better understand where these technologies can address unmet needs while developing socially responsible AI systems.

Fun fact: I enjoy 3D modeling and 3D printing in my free time.

Masters student, Computer Science

I am a researcher and software engineer with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in computer science and a strong interest in building technology that meaningfully improves people’s lives. Over the past two years, my work in human-computer interaction has taught me to begin with people, their experiences, environments, and everyday challenges before designing a solution.

I am now bringing this human-centered perspective together with agentic AI, large language models, virtual agents, and retrieval-augmented generation to develop systems that are not only technically capable but also accessible, trustworthy, and responsive to real needs. I am especially motivated by work in healthcare, education, and community support, where thoughtful technology can expand access to information and assistance. As I continue learning, I hope to bridge the gap between understanding human needs and building AI systems that create lasting, responsible impact.

Fun fact: I was once close to being selected for the FC Bayern Munich youth academy.