Erick Oduor

• KeywordsHuman-Computer InteractionComputer-Supported Cooperative WorkExplainable Artificial IntelligenceNatural Language ProcessingData VisualizationMachine LearningICT for Development
• OrganizationIBM Research Africa
• Education (Institution)Simon Fraser University (SIAT)
• Emailericko@ke.ibm.com

Erick Oduor is a research scientist at IBM Research Africa, dedicated to improving the lives of people in developing countries through technology. He received his PhD from Simon Fraser University (SIAT) in 2015, with his research focused on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), particularly home communication technologies in regions such as Kenya. His current work spans cutting-edge fields such as Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI), Natural Language Processing (NLP), and Data Visualization, applying these technologies in key areas like humanitarian aid, healthcare, and agriculture to design more inclusive and user-friendly technological solutions.

• 2015–Present·IBM Research Africa·Research Scientist
  • Research areas include Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Data Visualization, and Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI). Focuses on designing, implementing, and evaluating interface technologies suitable for rural regions of developing countries, with applications in water management, healthcare, financial inclusion, and agriculture. Contributed to the development of explainable AI systems for humanitarian aid planning and natural language processing.

• -2015·Simon Fraser University (SIAT)·PhD
  • Research focused on how technologies support family communication practices in rural and low-income urban areas of Kenya. Areas of study included Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Computer-Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW), and Communication Technologies for low-income communities in developing countries (ICTD).
• -2012·Chalmers University of Technology·Master’s
  • Specialized in Interaction Design. His "Power Plant" project during this time sparked a deeper interest in the field of Human-Computer Interaction.