Dr Sanaz Fallahkhair is a Principal Lecturer in Human-Centred AI and Interaction at the School of Architecture, Technology, and Engineering, University of Brighton. She leads and manages the Brighton User-Centred Design Laboratory, which offers research, innovation, and consultancy in the areas of Human-Centred AI, User Experience Design (UX), product development, and UX testing and evaluation. The laboratory can be explored further at Brighton UCD.

An active researcher (Google Scholar citations: 1088), she supervises PhD students and is a member of the Computing and Mathematical Science Research Excellence Group. She has previously held Senior Lectureship positions at the School of Computing, University of Portsmouth, and the University of Greenwich Business School. With over a decade of experience in higher education in the UK, her research focuses on the human-centred development of new technologies that incorporate studies of user experiences, cognition, and collaboration. These technologies are delivered across multiple platforms, including mobile devices, interactive television, tag-based technologies, wearable technologies, and robotics. Her research themes also encompass Human Computer Interaction, Human-Centred AI, Intelligent Tutoring Systems, User Modelling and Adaptation, Human-Robotic Interactions, Intelligent Interaction Modelling, and Data Analytics for the development of AI-based systems.

Dr. Fallahkhair has contributed to several research projects funded by notable bodies including the European Commission's FP6-EU, UK Research Councils' JISC, the Department of Health, FAPESP (Brazil), and CONICYT (Chile). Her significant projects include the TAMALLE project (Television and Mobile Assisted Language Learning Environment), LOGOS project (Knowledge on-demand for Ubiquitous Learning), and CloudBank project (Mobile Knowledge Sharing for Advanced Language Learners).

Dr. Fallahkhair serves as an expert reviewer for the European Research Executive Agency (REA), UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), and the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Research Fellowship scheme, among others. She also reviews for IEEE Communications Magazine and the Journal of Computers and Education, and is a member of the Review Board of the International Journal of Knowledge Based and Intelligent Engineering Systems (KES).

• Pool of experts reviewer responsible for evaluating Grant Proposals for the European Research Executive Agency (REA).
• Pool of experts responsible for reviewing Grant Proposals submitted to UKIR (UK Research and Innovation) and reviewed many grant applications submitted for EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Science Research Council), MRC (Medical Research Council) and ESRC (Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) grant funding since 2016. 
• Expert reviewer of Royal Academy of Engineering RAEng Research Fellowship scheme
• Reviewer of the IEEE Communications Magazine
• Reviewer of Journal of Computers and Education
• Member of the Review Board of the International Journal of Knowledge Based and Intelligent Engineering Systems (KES)

On a personal level, Sanaz is an advocate for women in STEM and is actively involved in the Athena Swan working group at the University of Brighton. Outside of academia, she is committed to outreach initiatives, encouraging girls and women to pursue STEM fields. She is also a keen environmentalist, yogi, and cyclist.

Sanaz's research interests include human-centred development of new technologies that incorporate studies of user's experiences, cognition and collaboration in designing a novel intelligent systems delivered via multiple platforms: mobile devices, interactive television, tag-based technologies, wearable technologies, and robotic interactions. Some related themes of her research include Human Computer Interaction, Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS), User’s Modelling and Adaptation, Human Robotic Interactions, Intelligent Interaction Modelling, Data Analytic and Sentiment Analysis, Artificial Intelligence Ethics for Development of Human Centred AI-based Systems.

Key Research Themes:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI), 
• Human Computer Interaction (HCI),
• User Experience (UX),
• Machine Learning (ML) and Natural Language Processing (NLP)

Current Research & Development Projects:

• Robotic and Artificial Intelligence in Language Development for Neurodivergent Individuals.
• Digital Twins: Development of AI-Powered Digital Twins to Support Adults with ADHD in Daily Living.
•  Artificial Intelligence Ethics:  Development of Evidence-based, Empirical-based Ethical Guidelines for Design and Development of AI-based Systems.

• Evaluation and testing of Sport Technologies, factor including usability and beyond usability, including brain/cognitive performance using EEG devices. The project aims to develop a set of guidelines for sport tech industry to incorporate in design of human centred technologies, to maximise usability, and beyond usability, i.e. efficiency, effectiveness, user satisfaction, and cognitive performance. 

• Research project with University of São Paulo, Universito of Chile, Es el Senor Vagner de Sousa Beserra. Colaboración Internacional para el desarrollo de la Televisión Digital Terrestre Educativa en Chile - to develop an International consortium to explore a potential of educational application for digital television (DTV).

• Sentiment Analysis and Data Mining of Educational Application from Twitter, University of Portsmouth, and Edge Hill University.

• Empirical study to investigate and evaluate Human Robotic Interaction, mainly aspects of usability in terms of, technology acceptances, efficiency, effectiveness and user satisfaction.

• User-centred development of Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT), in collaboration of Brighton and Sussex Medical School.

• Smart ambient – development of location based informal learning through mobile and ubiquitous technologies in collaboration of University of Portsmouth and University of Al-Mustansiriyah.

• Brain Computer Interface (BCI): Experimental study to evaluate cognitive loads and performances of users using technologies in edutainment and digital well-being (in particular, mobile apps and wearable technologies)

My PhD supervisory interests align closely with my research areas, reflecting my extensive experience and publications. Key research themes include Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Artificial Intelligence (AI), User Experience (UX), and User Modelling and Adaptation, Machine Learning (ML), Natural Language Processing (NLP). I am particularly interested in domains such as self-management of Digital Healthcare , Mental Health (ADHD), language development, and the cultural heritage sector.

I have successfully supervised three PhD students from inception to completion and have also served as an examiner for six PhD defences and vivas.

If you are interested in pursuing PhD studies, please get in touch.

I teach in the area of Human Computer Interaction, and Data Management at the Undergraduate and Postgraduate levels. I have been responsible as Award/Course Leader for BA Business Information Systems, and BSc Business Computing Systems at University of Brighton, and also I lead MSc Information System at University of Portsmouth where I held Senior Lectureship position in the past.

I've supervised more than 150 UG and PG dissertations and degree projects, at BSc, BA, MA, MSc, MBA levels. Currently, I am leading HCI PG and UG Modules at the School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematics. The following modules I am currently leading:

• MSc Module - IDM21 Interaction Design and Evaluation Process
• MSc Module - ISM122 Data Management 
• MSc Module - IDM22 Interface and Information Design
• BSc Module – CI604 Usability Evaluation 

Also co-teaching BSc CI536 - Computing Integrated Group Projects