Emani Hicks, PhD
- Human-Computer Interaction
- User Experience & Design Research
- Personal & Health Informatics
- Human-Centered AI
Hi! I’m Emani.👋🏾
I am a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Computer Science at the University of Houston in Houston, Texas.
I direct the A.W.A.R.E. Research Team (AWARE), where we investigate how technologies mediate awareness, learning, and social interaction across health contexts.
Before joining the University of Houston, I received my B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Alabama A&M University in 2021 and my M.S. and Ph.D. in Informatics from the University of California, Irvine in 2023 and 2026, respectively.
Interested in working with me?
I am available to advise students from backgrounds including Computer Science, Informatics, Design, Health, and Information Science Technology. If your only focus is on machine learning and AI, there are better suited advisors.
Current students who are interested in joining the lab, collaborating on research, or exploring advising opportunities are encouraged to complete the lab application form and email me directly.
Undergraduate students interested in research experience and collaborative projects may contribute through research assistance, independent studies, capstone projects, or community-engaged design work.
In your email, please include:
- A brief introduction and description of your interests
- Why you are interested in the lab and its research areas
- Relevant skills, experiences, coursework, or projects
- Your current program and year
- A CV/resume and any relevant materials (optional)
M.S. and Ph.D. student recruitment is open for Spring 2027 admissions. Prospective students should apply through the University of Houston Computer Science and indicate their interest in working with me in their application materials. I will reach out to applicants for an interview once I have received your application.
Latest News
- Fall 2026: Teaching COSC 4397 – Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction
- September 2026: I’m beginning my role as an Assistant Professor at the University of Houston
- April 2026: I have defended my dissertation!
- April 2026: I presented our paper “Collaboration and Assistive Technology: Facilitating Joint Awareness for Noise Sensitivity” and poster “Sona: Towards Context-Aware, Real-Time Personalization of Acoustic Environments for Noise Sensitivity” at CHI 2026 in Barcelona, Spain