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About

Dr. Sarah Jane Pell is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of human-computer interaction, aquatic environments, and extreme sports. Her primary research areas include WaterHCI (Human-Computer Interaction in water), augmented and virtual reality for aquatic domains, and the design of playful interactive technologies for surfing. Dr. Pell’s major contributions include founding and defining the emerging field of WaterHCI, which seeks to enhance human engagement with water through interactive systems like augmented reality for snorkelers and virtual reality in floatation tanks. Her most cited work, "Grand challenges in WaterHCI" (2024, 19 citations), establishes a foundational agenda for this interdisciplinary field. Additionally, her research on "Exploring the Design of Playful Devices for Surfing" (2024, 3 citations) innovatively shifts focus from athletic performance to experiential and playful aspects of surfing, opening new design spaces for recreational technology. Dr. Pell’s work is notable for bridging technical innovation with embodied, sensory experiences, positioning her as a leading voice in aquatic interaction design. Her achievements highlight the potential of WaterHCI to transform how humans connect with water environments, making her research essential for students and scholars interested in novel HCI frontiers.