Lisa Orii

Lisa Orii is a PhD candidate at the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering at the University of Washington, specializing in Human-Computer Interaction with a focus on applications and technology development in digital health and global health. Her research leverages human-centered design principles, using qualitative and quantitative methodologies to explore user needs. She collaborates with healthcare systems, designers, and engineers to translate user insights into practical digital health solutions. Her work spans multiple health domains, including sexual and reproductive health, mental health, maternal and child health, and HIV/AIDS data privacy.

Lisa was recognized by the Japanese edition of MIT Technology Review as an Innovator Under 35 and is a recipient of the Quad Fellowship. These honors highlight her contributions to empowering marginalized populations and advancing social health equity through technological innovation.

• April 2025 - September 2025·OMRON SINIC X Corporation·Research Intern
  • Conducted a research internship in Japan, contributing to a chatbot project for sensitive medical environments.
• April 2024 - September 2024·PATH (Digital Square and Primary Health Care teams)·Research Intern
  • Contributed to the development and field research of digital health projects, focusing on contraceptive education apps in Kenya.
• September 2022·HIV Clinic, Malawi·Research Fellow
  • Conducted fieldwork to explore improvements in HIV data privacy and electronic medical records.

• September 2021 - 2026 (expected)·University of Washington·PhD
  • Specializing in Human-Computer Interaction and earned a Graduate Certificate in Global Women, Adolescents, and Children’s Health.
• September 2017 - June 2021·Wellesley College·Bachelor’s Degree
  • Majored in Computer Science and Philosophy.

• MIT Technology Review Innovators Under 35 Japan (2022)
• Quad Fellowship Japan Representative (2022)
• Funai Foundation for Information Technology Scholarship (2020)

• Contraceptive Education Mobile App in Kenya
  • Designed an Android app to provide contraceptive education and decision-making support for young women in Kenya.
• HIV Data Privacy and Electronic Medical Records in Malawi
  • Investigated directions for improving data privacy in Malawi’s health system through field research with healthcare providers and patients.
• Speech Practice System Design
  • Researched the impact of voice mimicry and user-controlled voice manipulation on self-perception, offering design recommendations for speech practice tools.
• Urban Well-being and Ecosystem Monitoring
  • Developed urban well-being indices and designed ecosystem monitoring tools integrating satellite data and low-cost sensors for underserved communities.

Lisa Orii’s research and practice demonstrate the potential of technology to address social inequalities and promote health equity. She is dedicated to improving the lives of marginalized populations through human-centered design and technological innovation.