Sowmya Somanath

Sowmya Somanath is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Victoria, where she leads the Creative Experiences Lab and co-leads the VIXI group. Her research focuses on human-computer interaction (HCI), particularly exploring how people create digital and physical artifacts using electronics, maker tools, virtual reality, and other technologies. Additionally, she works on developing tools to support DIY creative activities and investigates their applications in education, personal health monitoring, and home environments. She has conducted studies in both India and Canada on engaging marginalized students in physical computing activities and developing supporting tools. Her research also includes designing interfaces for interaction between humans and autonomous vehicles. Sowmya holds a Master’s and Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Calgary and has published extensively at international conferences.

• 2020–Present·University of Victoria·Associate Professor
  • Leads the Creative Experiences Lab, focusing on human-computer interaction and the design and evaluation of digital tools to support creative activities.
• 2018–2019·Ontario College of Art and Design University·Assistant Professor
  • Taught design-related courses in the Industrial Design and Inclusive Design programs.

• 2010–2015·University of Calgary·Ph.D.
  • Focused on human-computer interaction with a dissertation exploring the engagement of marginalized students in physical computing activities.
• 2008–2010·University of Calgary·Master’s
  • Researched the use of interactive tabletop technologies for reservoir model visualization.
• 2004–2008·Visvesvaraya Technological University, India·Bachelor’s
  • Computer Science and Engineering, with a final project developing a two-player 3D chess game.