Noura Howell

Noura Howell is an Assistant Professor in the School of Literature, Media, and Communication at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Her work focuses on ethical AI, emotion AI, and design futuring, emphasizing inclusivity and critical reflection through artistic and technical explorations. She holds a PhD in Information & Management Systems from UC Berkeley and a BS in Engineering from Olin College.

Research interests include biosensing technologies, queer/crip design methodologies, and the intersection of embodiment with emerging technologies. Notable projects include the Future Feelings Lab, which critiques emotion AI through participatory audits and fabulative design practices, and investigations into thermal feedback systems and Sufi spiritual practices mediated by technology.

Awards include an NSF CAREER Award for reimagining emotion AI, a Google TensorFlow Faculty Award for educational outreach, and the Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award. Teaching spans computational media, interaction design, and design futuring courses.

Her lab explores speculative design through projects like the Heart Sounds Bench (life-affirming biosensing) and Salaam, an inflatable sculpture addressing Islamophobia. She has collaborated on interdisciplinary STEAM education initiatives like PREMIER artist residencies.