Sowmya Somanath

Sowmya Somanath is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Victoria, part of the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science. She holds a PhD from the University of Calgary and specializes in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), with a focus on interaction design, accessibility, and tangible computing.

Her research explores innovative intersections between technology and human experience, including wearable devices for healthcare monitoring (e.g., GlucoMaker), accessible data visualization for visually impaired users (TADA), and interactions between pedestrians and autonomous vehicles. She also investigates digital fabrication practices and the role of material constraints in creative processes.

Recent work emphasizes speculative design methodologies to address complex societal challenges, such as reimagining futures for 'doomed' problems through design fiction. Her projects often involve co-design with marginalized communities, ensuring inclusive technological solutions.

Dr. Somanath has contributed to over 30 publications since 2011, spanning topics from educational robotics (Spidey) to ethical considerations in autonomous systems. Her work bridges theoretical research with practical applications in education, healthcare, and urban planning.

No scientific awards are explicitly listed in her profile, though her impactful contributions to HCI suggest potential recognition in the field. She currently advises no listed students but collaborates extensively with industry and academic partners on maker culture and accessible technology initiatives.