Samantha Chan

Samantha Chan

Assistant Professor

Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Singapore

About

I am an incoming Assistant Professor at Nanyang Technological University, College of Computing and Data Science (CCDS). I am interested in crafting technologies that enhance human cognition and advance human potential. My research spans Human-Computer Interactions (HCI) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), developing systems to support aspects such as memory, sleep, attention, and healthy aging. This includes pioneering work in wearables, physiological sensing, brain-computer interfaces, and extended reality (XR) applications.

Prior to NTU, I was a Postdoctoral Fellow at the MIT Media Lab, Fluid Interfaces Group. I was formerly from the Augmented Human Lab at the University of Auckland, a Visiting Researcher at NUS-HCI Lab, and Junior Researcher at Mercari R4D. As a creative technologist and designer, my background encompasses robotics, co-design, and personal fabrication. During breaks, I enjoy playing the ukulele, traveling, and making short films.

Research Group

📣 I’m building a research group at NTU!
Our aim is to develop and study novel digital, wearable and AI interfaces that support human cognitive abilities and cognitive health. We envision a future with cognitive enhancement tech which empower every individual to thrive.

For prospective Ph.D. students: Email your CV, brief research statement/interests, portfolio, projects and other info to samantha.chan/(“at”/)ntu.edu.sg. You will be contacted for a chat in Dec 2024/Jan 2025 if you are shortlisted.
All interested students are encouraged to directly apply and mention my name in your NTU application where the official deadline is 31 Jan 2025 (for Aug ‘25 intake).
For interested Postdocs, Masters and undergrad students: Email me with your CV or details.

We’re looking for: Students with degrees/interest in Computer Science, Neuroscience, HCI or related fields. Also: self-starters, team-players, good communication skills, compassion and vision for a better world.

Prefered skills: Strong engineering and programming ability, experience with applied ML and training models, running user studies and writing research papers (having at least 1 publication would be a plus).

Due to the high volume of emails received, I apologise in advance if I’m unable to respond to all individual enquiries. A more detailed “Join Us” page will be available soon.

Interests
  • Human-Computer Interactions
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Cognitive Augmentation
Education
  • Postdoctoral Fellow, 2022-2024

    Massachusetts Institute of Technology

  • Ph.D. in Bioengineering, 2018-2022

    University of Auckland

  • B.Eng in Electrical Engineering, 2013-2016

    Singapore University of Technology and Design

Projects

.js-id-augmenting-cognition
ReLive

ReLive

Exploring virtual reality spaces from video recordings increases experiential detail and affect of memories

Sleep Enhancement

Sleep Enhancement

Enhancing sleep quality and memory using sensory stimulation and memory reactivation during sleep

MemPal

MemPal

Wearable multimodal LLM-based memory assistant for object finding, safety reminders and activity tracking

Generative AI for Healthy Aging

Generative AI for Healthy Aging

Co-design to understand older adults needs and concerns around GenAI, and opportunities to benefit daily tasks

Memoro

Memoro

Wearable LLM-based personal memory assistant for real-time and concise cues

WearVibe

WearVibe

Improving attention using wearables via haptic and multimodal rhythmic stimuli

Total VREcall

Total VREcall

Using biosignals to recognize emotional autobiographical memory in virtual reality

KinVoices

KinVoices

Voice reminders and interfaces in AI-cloned voices of friends and family

Prompto

Prompto

Exploring the use of biosignals to detect calm moments for chat-based memory training

ProspecFit

ProspecFit

Digitally-mediating an effective memory training technique on smartphones

fSense

fSense

Using heart-rate sensors in smartwatches to sense force during gestures and grasps (2018)

Biosignal Sensing to Support Learning

Biosignal Sensing to Support Learning

Understanding cognitive-affective states in learners through performance scores, behaviour and biosignals

Doodle Daydream

Doodle Daydream

Collaborative display to encourage playful interactions in office spaces (2017)

National Library

National Library

Reimagining and redesigning a childrens’ green library in Singapore (2016)

Salamander

Salamander

Amphibious rolling robot for search-and-rescue and marine biology surveys (2015)

Ho Chi Minh Community Design

Ho Chi Minh Community Design

Co-designing community space with residents, students and faculty in Vietnam (2015)

Compression Sportswear

Compression Sportswear

Designing modular sportswear to enhance runners’ performance and blood circulation (2014)

Low-Cost 3D Printers

Low-Cost 3D Printers

Designing reliable and low-cost 3D printers for personal fabrication (2013)

Saber

Saber

Constructing a personal duel-worthy ’lightsaber’ for fun and fitness

Filmmaking

Filmmaking

Collection of short films made by yours truly and co

Motorcycles

Motorcycles

Riding adventures, mods and fixes

Selected Publications

I publish in premier venues in Human-Computer Interactions, including CHI, IMWUT (Ubicomp) and CSCW. Quickly discover relevant content by filtering publications. See full publication list on Google Scholar.