Emani Hicks \\ University of Houston

JOIN ART

Prospective & Current Ph.D. Students

ART is seeking motivated Ph.D. students interested in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), personal and health informatics, collaborative systems, UX/UI, and human-centered AI. We welcome students from interdisciplinary backgrounds who are passionate about designing technologies that support awareness, collaboration, learning, and well-being across health and community ecosystems.

Prospective Ph.D. Students

Ph.D. student recruitment is open for Spring 2026 admissions. Prospective students should apply through the University of Houston Computer Science and indicate their interest in working with Dr. Emani Hick in their application materials.

To ensure fairness and consistency for all applicants, interviews and individual meetings are typically conducted only after complete applications have been reviewed. I will reach out to applicants for an interview once I have received your application. 

Current Ph.D. Students

Current Ph.D. 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.

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)

Students interested in switching advisors or pursuing collaborative research should also briefly describe their current research interests and goals. Our lab welcomes students from interdisciplinary backgrounds who are excited about human-centered technologies, health and educational systems, collaborative technologies, informatics, design, and community-centered research.

We are especially excited to work with students interested in:

  • Human-centered computing and HCI
  • Health and wellness technologies
  • Collaborative and awareness systems
  • Personal and health informatics
  • Smart and connected health
  • Community-centered and participatory design
  • AI-integrated systems for health 
  • Accessibility and assistive technologies
What We Look for in Students
  • Curiosity and enthusiasm for research
  • Commitment to human-centered and socially impactful technology
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills

Technical Skills

  • Experience in design, qualitative methods, programming, AI/ML, or data analysis is a plus
  • Experience developing iOS and Android mobile and wearable systems
  • Interest in interdisciplinary and community-engaged research

Master’s and Undergraduate Students

The lab actively welcomes undergraduate and Master’s students interested in research experience and collaborative projects. Students may contribute through research assistance, independent studies, capstone projects, or community-engaged design work.

We encourage students from diverse backgrounds and disciplines—including Informatics, Computer Science, Engineering, Public Health, Education, Psychology, Design, and related areas—to reach out.

Potential research opportunities may involve:

  • User research and interviews
  • Prototyping and interaction design
  • Qualitative and mixed-methods research
  • Data visualization and analysis
  • Community-based participatory design
  • AI-integrated and connected technologies for health and learning

Duration: Minimum commitment of one semester.

Interested students should email Dr. Hicks with:

  • A brief statement of interests
  • CV or resume
  • Relevant experience and/or portfolio 
  • Unofficial transcript (optional)

Postdoctoral Researchers

The lab is not currently recruiting postdoctoral researchers. We anticipate accepting postdoctoral scholars beginning in Fall 2027. Future opportunities and application information will be posted here as they become available.

Collaborators and Community Partners

We welcome collaborations with researchers, healthcare organizations, educators, community groups, designers, and industry partners interested in human-centered technologies, connected health systems, collaborative care, and equitable technology design.

If you are interested in collaborating, please reach out at eihicks2@uh.edu.