Helen Wauck

Dr. Helen Wauck is an expert in Human-Computer Interaction and Cognitive Science research, currently serving as a Research Scientist at Smart Information Flow Technologies (SIFT). Her research interests span games and entertainment, motivation, educational psychology, cognitive training, and visualization. Dr. Wauck is dedicated to designing complex systems that are easier to understand, intuitive, and enjoyable to use, particularly for beginners and non-technical users. In her Ph.D. dissertation, Dr. Wauck developed an open-source game, Homeworld Bound, to measure and train spatial reasoning skills in players. This research aimed to prepare students for STEM courses and careers, while also analyzing the effects of different game mechanics on spatial skills training outcomes. Her research has been presented and published at multiple ACM conferences, including CHI, CHI PLAY, and IUI.

• 2020–Present·Smart Information Flow Technologies (SIFT)·Research Scientist
  • Focused on research in Human-Computer Interaction and Cognitive Science, exploring how games and interactive systems can enhance user experience and cognitive abilities.

• 2014–2020·University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·Ph.D.
  • Field of Study: Computer Science
  • Research Focus: Gamified measurement and training of spatial reasoning skills
• 2010–2014·Gustavus Adolphus College·B.A.
  • Field of Study: Computer Science and Mathematics (with honors)