UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — In the fast-paced era of innovation where breakthroughs are a constant occurrence, a Penn State Department of Geography alumna is actively engaged in harnessing the potential of new technologies to redefine interactions with technology and the world.
Meet Mahda Bagher, a 2022 doctoral graduate, whose journey has propelled her to the forefront of groundbreaking research in the realms of virtual reality (VR) and human-computer interaction (HCI).
In June, Bagher secured a position at Meta as a UX research scientist in their Reality Labs, where she is a member of the Haptic Experience Research Science (HXRS) team. Bagher specializes in designing embodied interactions within extended reality technologies (XR), which include augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR) and VR.
“As a GIS scientist I have always been captivated by how humans perceive and understand spatial information,” Bagher said. “One of the most valuable aspects of my time as a geographer at Penn State was the comprehensive training I received to become a transdisciplinary researcher. Working with diverse scientific fields significantly expanded my research perspective. The collaboration between researchers from different disciplines has proven particularly valuable in my position at Meta Reality Labs.”
In 2016, Bagher joined the former ChoroPhronesis Lab in the Department of Geography, working under the guidance of professor Alexander Klippel, who is now at Wageningen University in the Netherlands. The activities of the ChoroPhronesis Lab are now housed in the Center for Immersive Experiences.
Their goal was to design and evaluate complex 3D visualizations in VR. Interacting with spatial objects in a 3D environment allows the users to use their hands and body instead of relying solely on a mouse and keyboard.
For her dissertation, Bagher delved into the realm of VR to visualize earthquake locations across the globe. Her aim was to create an embodied three-dimensional experience for students studying geosciences, enabling them to better grasp subsurface data and enhance their learning outcomes.
“The exploration of embodied interaction within VR was a significant aspect of this project, which ultimately contributed to joining the HXRS team at Meta Reality Labs,” Bagher said. “This virtual experience was seamlessly integrated into an introductory geosciences course during the pandemic when physical labs were inaccessible. It allowed students to study plate boundaries and earthquake events from the comfort of their homes, ensuring uninterrupted learning opportunities.”
Bagher said she believes that a transdisciplinary approach in research and careers is important.
“Many individuals often express concerns about becoming transdisciplinary, fearing that they may lose their deep knowledge and expertise in a specific field,” Bagher said. “However, I firmly believe that embracing a transdisciplinary approach is crucial for success in today's rapidly advancing technological landscape. Geographers are trained to think this way. Moreover, during my academic journey, I acquired the skills necessary to be a responsible researcher capable of crafting effective research designs. This enables me to generate meaningful outcomes that not only push the boundaries of the field but also have a tangible impact on users' experiences of XR simulations and human interfaces.”
In her role at Meta Reality Labs, Bagher said she remains connected to Penn State and is committed to supporting current geography students in their career paths. Her contributions to the Center for Immersive Experiences and her involvement as an external board member in curriculum redesign exemplify her dedication to giving back to the academic community that shaped her journey.
To aspiring researchers interested in the field of HCI and XR, Bagher offers advice.
"Embrace a transdisciplinary approach and actively seek collaborations with other departments or disciplines,” Bagher said. “This will provide a broader perspective and enhance your understanding of the subjects you are passionate about."