Hi, I'm Shalini! 👋 (she/her)
shalinii [at] umich [dot] edu
Hi, I'm Shalini! 👋 (she/her)
shalinii [at] umich [dot] edu
I am a graduate student at the University of Michigan's School of Information, advised by Dr. Venkatesh Potluri.
I have an undergraduate degree in Interaction Design, and my research lies at the intersection of accessibility, human-computer interaction (HCI), and Conversational AI.Â
A core strand of my research examines the accessibility of genAI platforms, including conversational agents and low-code tools, for blind and low-vision (BLV) users.Â
Another research theme I am interested in is the intersection of a11y + GenAI for individuals with cognitive disabilities.
Currently, I am working on designing accessibility evaluation frameworks for conversational AI and vibe coding tools, for more inclusive futures in computing.Â
I rely on three core methods: formative/summative usability evaluations, participatory co-design, and ethnography.Â
I'm always open to collaborations. If a project comes to mind that aligns with my background, please email me! I would love to chat.🙂
July 30, 2025: My first Poster submission was accepted at ASSETS 2025! I will be presenting in Denver this October.Â
May 27, 2025: I recently joined Harvard University as a UX Research Intern at the Harvard Library, where I’m working on accessibility-focused projects in the digital library space.Â
May 08, 2025: I am now part of IDEA Lab, directed by Dr. Venkatesh Potluri, where I contribute to research at the intersection of generative AI and accessibility.Â
May 08, 2025: I am officially part of the Master’s Thesis Option Pathway (MTOP) at the University of Michigan School of Information.Â
May 02, 2025: I received a scholarship to attend the 2025 Neurodiversity at Work Research Conference at Carnegie Mellon University, held from May 20–21.