Omar Khan
Ph.D. Candidate in Computer Science at UIUC
researcher and cat parent passionate about human-centered technology design
Currently, I am...
🔬 Re-imagining scientific workflows
Investigating accessibility and usability of existing scientific tools alongside the blind and low-vision community
💼 Seeking internship opportunities
Actively looking for research (research scientist, UX research), data science, and software engineering internships for Summer 2026; I am especially interested in opportunities within industry, non-profits, NGOs, and think tanks!
📚 learning about learning...about technology
Understanding the latest developments in human-AI interaction and assistive technologies, especially how different populations learn about and engage with AI.
hello!
I am a fourth-year Ph.D. candidate studying Computer Science at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) advised by Dr. JooYoung Seo in the (x)Ability Design Lab. I co-design accessible data visualizations, especially qualitative or 'open-ended' data such as concept maps, network graphs, and coding trees, with the blind and low-vision (BLV) community. Through understanding BLV researchers' workflows and processes, I work at the intersection of accessibility, human-AI interaction, and inclusive STEM education to create responsible, AI-driven digital experiences. My goal is to design intelligent systems that empower people of diverse abilities to independently create, interpret, and share complex information with their peers and broader audiences.
🚀 I am actively seeking research scientist, UX research, and engineering-oriented internships for summer 2026!
Current Research Interests
Accessibility/Assistive Technologies
Investigating the ease of use of existing digital platforms for those with disabilities, particularly the blind and low-vision (BLV) community
Computing Education
Exploring how we can make computing education more accessible and inclusive for those with disabilities, particularly the blind and low-vision (BLV) community
Affective Computing
Understanding the underlying emotions that those with disabilities and other historically underrepresented groups face in navigating the digital world
Human-Centered AI
Designing intelligent and accessible user experiences that leverage emerging technologies such as large language models (LLMs), and understanding user sentiment about personalized systems
Other Academic Interests
Tech Law and Policy
Examining past, present, and future tech/Internet laws and policies across the world and identifying how/why they are shaped the way they are
Mental Health and Well-Being Technologies
Exploring the rapid growth and development of digital mental health (DMH) tracking services and their lack of consideration for the broader disability community