Student Opportunity SU26 - Embodied Cueing through Haptics and Brain Interaction in Assistive AR Systems RAY

Post

Published on February 10, 2026

Job ID: 135746

Job Title: Embodied Cueing through Haptics and Brain Interaction in Assistive AR Systems RAY

Application Deadline: Sunday, April 5, 2026 @ 11:59 p.m. ET

Applications are only accepted through the Career Centre. Go to the Experience York portal through Passport York and search for the posting with the Job ID listed above. Note: applicants must be eligible to participate in the Research @ York (RAY) program, see eligibility criteria.

Hourly wage: $22 per hour

Hours per week: 20 hours per week

Start date: April 27, 2026

End date: September 4, 2026

Job description

Under the supervision of Dr. Desai, the Embodied Cueing through Haptics and Brain Interaction in Assistive AR Systems RAY student (for up to 20 hours per week) will support the project that is part of an ongoing research program in the Social and Technological Systems (SaTS) Lab that investigates how embodied interaction can support people living with dementia during daily rule-based activities. Building on an earlier version of CogniPrompt, an Augmented Reality conversational prompting system, this project explores how haptic feedback and brain-interaction sensing can enhance task initiation, attention, and engagement. The research examines how bodily cues and cognitive signals can complement or move beyond purely visual and verbal prompts in assistive AR systems.

Specific research activities the student(s) will be engaged in:

The undergraduate student will:

• Assist in designing and prototyping embodied prompting interactions
• Support integration of haptic feedback using SenseGlove equipment
• Participate in exploratory use of brain-interaction data collected via Muse EEG headsets
• Help test and refine interaction concepts within an existing AR prototype (CogniPrompt)
• Assist with documentation of design iterations, testing sessions, and research insights
• Participate in regular lab meetings and design reviews

Type of research experience the student(s) will receive:

The student will gain hands-on research experience in:

• Human–computer interaction and interaction design research
• Embodied and multimodal interaction design
• Assistive technology and health-focused design research
• Research through design methods, including prototyping, iteration, and reflective analysis
• Working within a multidisciplinary research lab environment

Type of training and support that will be provided to the student(s) in carrying out these research activities:

The student will receive:

• Direct supervision and mentorship from the faculty supervisor
• Training in embodied interaction design and multimodal prompting systems
• Hands-on guidance in using SenseGlove haptic devices and Muse EEG headsets
• Structured onboarding into lab protocols, ethics, and research documentation practices
• Ongoing feedback through weekly lab meetings and one-on-one check-ins

Qualifications

• Background or interest in Design, Digital Media, Computer Science, Engineering, Psychology, or a related field
• Interest in interactive systems, XR, physical computing, or wearable technologies
• Willingness to learn new tools and research methods
• Strong communication and organizational skills

Application materials

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Transcripts
• Please provide the name and contact information of two references

If you have any questions, please email Shital Desai.

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