Melissa Valcin
Human Factors & Cognitive Systems

Cognitive & Brain Science researcher at Tufts University focused on how people interact with autonomous systems. NSF REU participant and UR2PhD Scholar applying human factors methods to human-robot interaction and explainable AI.

Human Interaction with Robotic Control Systems

Human Factors

Developed simulation environments to study how users form mental models of autonomous robotic systems. Conducted structured human-subjects studies identifying misalignments between user expectations and system behavior, translating empirical findings into human factors design recommendations.

LabAABL Lab, Tufts University
MethodsBehavioral observation, usability studies, qualitative coding
ToolsMuJoCo, Genesis, Python
FocusHuman-robot teaming, trust calibration, transparency

Move the basketball with arrow keys. The system infers your goal in real time and blends its suggestion with your input.

Predicted goal
highest probability
Arbitration
Linear
γ = 0.4
Inference
Bayesian
goal prediction
Arbitration:

Use arrow keys to move. The arrow shows the robot's suggested direction. Try switching arbitration modes.

Generative AI in K–12 Learning Platforms

Explainable AI

Led product vision for integrating generative AI into a Blockly-based coding platform serving K–12 learners. Conducted usability evaluations to surface accessibility gaps and built an interactive prototype to validate design decisions around learner comprehension and AI transparency.

OrgCenter for Engineering & Education Outreach, Tufts
MethodsUsability evaluation, prototyping, user insight synthesis
ToolsHTML, Figma, Qualtrics
FocusAccessible AI, learner cognition, system transparency

A Blockly-based K–12 coding environment built as part of the GenAI integration project. Drag blocks from the toolbox and press Run to animate the sprite.

Stage
🐱
Steps: 0 Jumps: 0
Ready. Press Run to start.
Try these
Walk forward
move forward 3 times
Jump loop
repeat jump 5 times
Zigzag run
run, turn, run back
Say hello
walk and say something

Research interests

  • Human factors engineering
  • Human-robot interaction
  • Explainable AI systems

Technical skills

  • Python, C++, R, HTML
  • MuJoCo, Genesis simulation
  • SPSS, RStudio, Qualtrics
  • Experimental design & behavioral analysis

Honors

  • Dean's List — Tufts University
  • NSF REU Participant
  • UR2PhD Scholar

Languages

  • English — native
  • Creole — native
  • French — fluent
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