Valkyrie Arline Savage

Valkyrie Arline Savage is a Tenure Track Assistant Professor in the Human-Centred Computing section of the Department of Computer Science (DIKU) at the University of Copenhagen's Faculty of Science. Her research bridges the gap between physical input devices and digital systems, with a focus on creating interfaces that can be custom-designed, fabricated, or simply picked up to solve specific user problems in particular contexts.

Dr. Savage studies physical input devices (like mice, game controllers, or surgical tools) as the ultimate bridge between humans and computers. Her work pushes for deeply custom interfaces that fit specific user needs for particular times, places, and tasks. She is fascinated by the interaction between sensing (which takes physical information and digitizes it) and fabrication (which takes digital information and physicalizes it). Her methodology centers on systems research, where project outputs are functional, novel systems that users can interact with directly, with contributions often coming from the algorithms required to make these prototypes work.

Dr. Savage's recent publications demonstrate a strong research trajectory in innovative fabrication techniques that integrate electronics with traditional manufacturing processes. Her work spans 3D printing innovations, laser cutting applications, textile integration, and novel sensing mechanisms. Key themes across her research include democratizing fabrication technologies, combining digital and craft-based methods, and developing responsive input devices that adapt to specific user requirements. Her publications in top-tier venues like CHI, UIST, and TEI showcase her contributions to computational fabrication and human-computer interaction.

Dr. Savage actively works with students in her fabrication lab, which is equipped with 3D printers, lasercutters, electronics tools, a CNC mill, and other fabrication equipment. Her advising focuses on interdisciplinary projects that explore the boundaries between technology and craft, including 3D printing combined with crochet, underwater 3D printing applications, and lasercut slot-together circuits. She has published 22 research outputs including journal articles, conference proceedings, a PhD thesis, and a patent, demonstrating consistent productivity in her field.

Her research has practical applications across multiple domains including maritime automation, medical interfaces, and general human-computer interaction. The citations and downloads of her work indicate growing impact in her field, with applications spanning from specialized industrial contexts to everyday user interfaces. Dr. Savage's work represents a significant contribution to making fabrication technologies more accessible and integrated for creating custom interactive systems.