Introduction
Late one evening, while debugging a piece of code to the gentle backdrop of Debussy’s Arabesque No. 1, I noticed a striking parallel between deciphering musical notes and troubleshooting my program. Interpreting Debussy’s complex harmonies required the same patience and creativity as tracking down a subtle bug in code. That moment of clarity—realizing the harmony between art and technology—has guided my journey in computer science. It showed me that analytical and creative thinking can complement each other in problem-solving. This philosophy is a key reason I am excited to pursue a Master’s in Computer Science at EPFL, where technical rigor meets creative exploration. I am drawn to EPFL’s innovative environment and aspire to contribute to its vibrant research community, especially in the field of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI).
Key Experiences Shaping My Path
One of my earliest formative experiences was at the Paul Math School, where I explored interdisciplinary science-and-math topics through self-directed research and coding. In one project, I simulated the DNA replication process using Scratch, modeling how helicase, polymerase, and primers work to generate complementary strands. This helped me understand how computational modeling can reveal the logic behind biological mechanisms. In another project, I devised a method to calculate the coordinates of a point in 3D space based on its distances from three known points, deriving the algebraic solution and implementing it in C. These early encounters taught me how to translate theoretical problems into working code—a mindset that continues to shape my approach to HCI and systems development.
During my internship at Bosch’s Research Center in Hildesheim, I worked on multiple projects aimed at enhancing vehicle safety through user-centered interface design. I contributed to the development of a React-based human-machine interface (HMI) for an eBike system, improving safety at intersections through better V2X communication visibility. I also helped integrate a V2X communication module into a vehicle demonstrator and performed data analysis and troubleshooting on sensor data streams to better predict collision scenarios. These experiences exposed me to real-time system constraints and the importance of designing interfaces that are both intuitive and informative. I realized that the success of safety-critical systems hinges not only on their technical accuracy but on how effectively they communicate with users in split-second decision windows.
I further explored inclusive interface design at the BCX Hackathon, where I led a team to develop a modular Python client with a plugin-based architecture. We integrated eye-tracking data using the Gazebo simulator to help colorblind drivers interpret traffic signals via shape-based and auditory feedback, replacing color cues with multimodal signals. Collaborating with digital.auto and mobility experts during Europe’s largest automotive hackathon challenged us to iterate fast and test for real-world usability. The project reminded me that accessibility isn’t a feature—it’s a foundation. This experience sparked ongoing questions: How do we design systems that adapt not just to a device’s context, but to the cognitive or sensory state of a user in real time?
Research Interests and Goals
These questions are at the heart of my growing interest in Human-Computer Interaction. I am especially fascinated by multimodal, adaptive interfaces that sense and respond to users through physiological signals. I want to explore how sensed informations like EEG, haptic feedback, and motion data in VR environments can enable interfaces to detect changes in cognitive load, emotional state, or attention, and then adapt dynamically—through feedback modulation, UI changes, or guidance prompts.
For example, a cognitive training application could use EEG and eye-tracking data to assess user focus and adjust stimulus difficulty or pacing accordingly. Similarly, a VR-based rehabilitation system could incorporate muscle tracking and visual feedback to guide user posture and prevent injury. I am interested in how such systems can be made not just reactive but empathetic—how they can create a loop where the user’s mental and physical state guides the interface in real time.
At EPFL, I aim to deepen my understanding of these topics through rigorous coursework and research. I am especially inspired by the work of Prof. Ronan Boulic and the Immersive Interaction Group, particularly their project on 'Immersive Embodied Interactions in Virtual Environments,' which investigates how full-body interactions can enhance user experience in virtual settings. Their research on gaze-based interaction and real-time neurofeedback systems aligns closely with my goals. I am also drawn to EPFL’s specialization in Signals, Images, and Interfaces, and courses like Interaction Design, Multimodal Sensing, and Machine Learning for Behavior Understanding would equip me with the skills needed to bridge low-level signal processing and high-level user interface design.
Why EPFL?
EPFL’s strengths in interdisciplinary, research-led teaching and its culture of hands-on experimentation make it the ideal environment for my next academic step. I value how EPFL blends rigorous computer science fundamentals with application-oriented labs and group projects. Working alongside peers and faculty who approach technology from both technical and human-centric angles will challenge and inspire me. Moreover, EPFL’s global reputation and diverse student body reflect the kind of environment where I know I can both grow and contribute meaningfully. The possibility of joining the HCI Group or the Immersive Interaction Group for my Master’s thesis excites me deeply.
Conclusion
My journey—from visualizing DNA replication in Scratch to building eye-tracking interfaces at Europe’s largest automotive hackathon—has always been guided by a simple question: how can we make our interactions with technology more humane? I believe EPFL is the best place for me to explore that question further. I bring with me a foundation in programming and scientific thinking, a passion for design grounded in empathy, and a desire to push the boundaries of what intelligent, adaptive systems can become. Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to contribute to EPFL’s vibrant academic community and explore how human-computer interaction can evolve to understand us better, respond more intuitively, and ultimately improve the way we live.