Alexandra Ion

Alexandra Ion is the Sara Kiesler Assistant Professor at the Human-Computer Interaction Institute (HCII) within Carnegie Mellon University's School of Computer Science. She leads the Interactive Structures Lab, focusing on integrating intelligence into physical forms through computational methods, metamaterials, and digital fabrication to create adaptive systems for physical interaction.

• Academic Affiliation: CMU School of Computer Science
• Research Focus: Physical AI, Interactive Structures, Computational Geometry

Her work emphasizes ubiquitous adaptive interfaces that blend computation, fabrication, and robotics into everyday objects. She develops optimization-based design tools for novice users and investigates mechanical structures, algorithms, and fabrication methods.

Recent publications highlight advancements in robotic surfaces, metamaterials, and rehabilitation technologies. Awards include Best Paper and Demo awards from ACM UIST/ISS, recognition at Cannes Lions, and the DAAD FIT scholarship.

• Best Paper (ACM ISS'23)
• Best Demo (ACM UIST'23)
• DAAD FIT Scholarship (2018)

The lab fosters collaboration between experts and novices in materials discovery, with applications in wearable technologies, flexible actuators, and intelligent environments. She contributes extensively to academic service, including program chairing roles at ACM UIST/CHI/SIGGRAPH.