I would like to spread some #girlpower and introduce some awesome chicas that I am lucky to call my friends with the rest of the world. These ladies are beauty and brains and a whole lot of awesomeness. I would like to showcase their fascinating educational/career path, share their hobbies, goals, and aspirations.
Meet this week’s Friend Feature Friday Leyla Norooz from Maryland!
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I met Leyla when I moved to Maryland last summer and we instantly clicked! Leyla is sweet, bubbly, caring, and crazy super smart! I’m pretty sure our mom’s are long lost sisters – since they seemed to instantly became BFFs. I met Leyla at a friend’s Fourth of July party and she was describing me the t-shirt she designed that lights up and all the fun interactive features it consists of. Little did I know that the t-shirt called BodyVis is all Leyla’s idea and project brought to life and that she is pretty much a genius.
Keep reading and get to know Leyla!
1) Educational Background?
B.S. Computer Science 2011 from University of Maryland
M.S. Human-Computer Interaction 2014 from University of Maryland
2) Current Job Title?
Graduate Research Assistant and PhD Student in Information Studies at University of Maryland
3) Zodiac Sign? Age?
Leo, 25
4) Ethnic Background?
Iranian
5) Why did you choose or why do you love your profession/field of study?
My current research primarily revolves around wearable education technology for children. I discovered Computer Science by chance through family (to this day, my sister says I “stole it” from her)! I didn’t want to get a job where I was coding all day with very limited social interaction. I discovered human-computer interaction through a course in college and realized that it fit the social bill I was looking for. I’ve always loved working with kids, so children’s education technology naturally felt like the right way to go in regards to my career. Later on in graduate school I discovered my passion for the realm of wearable technology and electronic textiles. Through a series of fortunate accidents I ended up where I am today.
6) What is the most rewarding thing about your profession/field of study?
Working with kids! I’m a child at heart and I love my field because it gives me an excuse to do all the childish things I do and think like a child. I don’t think I could ever get away with building a shirt that farts and publishing a paper with the word “fart” in it if I didn’t work with kids!
7) What is your 5-year goal?
Work as a User Experience Researcher in industry making cool and innovative wearable technology.
8) What are your hobbies or interests outside of your profession/work?
Cooking, Traveling, and Hiking
9) Favorite Website?
10) Favorite TV Show?
Doctor Who
11) Next travel destination?
Bahamas and Seoul, South Korea
12) What are 3 wardrobe staples you can’t live without?
Flyaway cardigans, dark blue jeans, and maxi dresses
13) Three words that describe your style or personality?
Bubbly, Crazy, and Classic Chic
Checkout the Terp Magazine article featuring the interactive BodyVis tee designed by Leyla!
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