Mahrukh Tauseef

Mahrukh Tauseef

Resume

Education

Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Vanderbilt University
Expected 2026
Five years of research experience in Mixed Reality, Human-Computer Interaction, and Applied Machine Learning
M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Vanderbilt University
August, 2024
B.S. in Electrical Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi
May, 2020
Two years of research experience in the Applied Interactive Multimedia (AIM) Lab, focusing on human-computer interaction and haptic technology.

Experience

Research Assistant, Vanderbilt Univeristy
January, 2021 - Present
  • Dissertation Topic: Developing a machine learning-based solution for mapping users’ real- world motion to avatar trajectories in AR telepresence across dissimilar physical environments. Awarded Meta’s ARIA Research Grant to tackle challenges in spatial mismatch and trajectory prediction using sensor fusion from Meta’s ARIA smart glasses.
  • Co-designed an Augmented Reality (AR) telepresence system to allow two or more geographically separated users to interact with each other. Developed two multiplayer AR games, Checkers and Apples-to-Apples in Augmented Reality. Designed a network pipeline to support real-time audio, body, and facial data communication within acceptable range for AR (< 100ms latency).
  • Deployed the AR telepresence system to user’s residence and performed feasibility and acceptability testing for connecting older adults with their family members with 53 older adults. Tested the scalability and transferability of the system with 8 autistic individuals to support interpersonal interaction between them during two- and four- person activities.
  • Conceptualized the design of an LLM-based AI assistant for dementia care. Went through two incubator programs to test the product’s potential for commercialization. Procured $15,000 for customer discovery and prototype development. Patent application in process.
  • Co-designed a collaborative virtual environment for AI-supported soft skills training for autistic individuals. Developed a LEGO-based assessment task to quantitatively measure the degree of collaboration using multimodal data. Tested the system with 54 individuals.
  • Supported commercialization of an AR-based simulation system to support nursing education as a technical lead. Conducted over 100 customer discovery interviews and conceptualized the design of the minimal viable product (MVP).
Selected Design-Centered Projects
  • Conducted a hands-on workshop on rapid prototyping with Unity Game Engine. Developed an MVP of a spelling game for first graders.
  • Currently designing and 3D printed ergonomic daily-use objects to enhance usability through iterative prototyping.
  • Co-teaching an MBA course on Entrepreneurship at Vanderbilt University Owen Graduate School of Management, guiding students through hands-on product development using a design thinking approach.
  • Currently developing a smart plant monitoring system and a two-way intercom as personal projects, integrating custom PCB design, CAD modeling, and sensor-driven interaction.

Skills

Programming Tools: Python, C#, Unity Engine, Unreal Engine, MATLAB, Fusion360, EAGLE

Technical Areas: Augmented/Mixed Reality, Human-Computer Interaction, System Design, Study Design, Qualitative Analysis, Statistical Analysis, Machine Learning, Spatial Mapping, Multimodal Data Fusion, End-to-end product development, Rapid Prototyping, CAD Design, PCB Design, Technical Writing

Professional Skills: Research, Teamwork and Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Design Thinking, Teaching, Entrepreneurship

Awards & Grants