The following text is taken from an interview right after the CIAO group was founded on July 1st, 2023.
Let's start with some personal stuff.
Since when do you work at ScaDS.AI as a Junior Research Group Leader?
I started on July 1st, 2023
I started on July 1st, 2023
What did you study and where?
I studied Mechatronics in Karlsruhe for my Bachelor's. For my Master's, I moved to Berlin to study Automotive Systems, focusing on machine learning. After that I started my PhD in Computer Science at the TU Berlin and the University of Cologne.
I studied Mechatronics in Karlsruhe for my Bachelor's. For my Master's, I moved to Berlin to study Automotive Systems, focusing on machine learning. After that I started my PhD in Computer Science at the TU Berlin and the University of Cologne.
Where did you work before?
I worked at the University of Cologne at the Chair of Software and Systems Engineering together with Prof. Vogelsang.
I worked at the University of Cologne at the Chair of Software and Systems Engineering together with Prof. Vogelsang.
What are your scientific achievements?
I recently defended my dissertation with summa cum laude and won the Early Career Best Paper Award from the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Europe. For another paper we received an Honorable Mention Award at last year’s Automotive UI conference. Back in 2019 I was 4th at the research competition “Forum junge Spitzenforscher” and won a prize money of 2000 Euro.
I recently defended my dissertation with summa cum laude and won the Early Career Best Paper Award from the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Europe. For another paper we received an Honorable Mention Award at last year’s Automotive UI conference. Back in 2019 I was 4th at the research competition “Forum junge Spitzenforscher” and won a prize money of 2000 Euro.
On to the Junior Research Group...
What is your research area?
We are working at the intersection of machine learning and human-computer interaction. Our goal is to develop computational models that simulate human-like interaction behavior. Currently, our focus is on the interaction between drivers and other road users with (semi-)automated cars.
We are working at the intersection of machine learning and human-computer interaction. Our goal is to develop computational models that simulate human-like interaction behavior. Currently, our focus is on the interaction between drivers and other road users with (semi-)automated cars.
What are the key topics you are working on?
Just listing them our key topics are the analysis of large naturalistic driving data, driver distraction research, the development of computational models of human-computer interaction, and the data-driven evaluation of user interfaces
Just listing them our key topics are the analysis of large naturalistic driving data, driver distraction research, the development of computational models of human-computer interaction, and the data-driven evaluation of user interfaces
What are your goals with the new Junior Research Group?
We want to develop computationally rational models that interact with technology in a human-like manner and make human-like decisions. We want to build these models using reinforcement learning and use them to evaluate user interfaces and to better understand how humans and intelligent systems can collaborate.
Why is your research relevant?
To create systems and interfaces that are enjoyable to use, the design process needs to focus on the user. Nevertheless, the quick advancement of technology makes it more and more difficult (and costly) to conduct studies with actual users. By creating user models that can effectively simulate human interaction, we can not only enhance our understanding of interaction behavior, but also automate the evaluation process to create interactive systems that meet user needs and are user-friendly.
To create systems and interfaces that are enjoyable to use, the design process needs to focus on the user. Nevertheless, the quick advancement of technology makes it more and more difficult (and costly) to conduct studies with actual users. By creating user models that can effectively simulate human interaction, we can not only enhance our understanding of interaction behavior, but also automate the evaluation process to create interactive systems that meet user needs and are user-friendly.
Who are your Team members?
Since I just started this group a little over a month ago, Martin Lorenz, who started his PhD in August, is the only member of the team. However, we are looking for one or two student research assistants to help us develop the driving simulations and to help us build reinforcement learning agents. So, if you are a student reading this and think these topics might be interesting for you, drop us a line! We are also hoping to acquire new projects to hire more PhD students.
Since I just started this group a little over a month ago, Martin Lorenz, who started his PhD in August, is the only member of the team. However, we are looking for one or two student research assistants to help us develop the driving simulations and to help us build reinforcement learning agents. So, if you are a student reading this and think these topics might be interesting for you, drop us a line! We are also hoping to acquire new projects to hire more PhD students.
