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Interdisciplinarity

For my interdisciplinary experience, I conducted research at the University of California, Irvine, where I focused on web accessibility across desktop and mobile platforms. The project brought together elements from human-computer interaction (HCI), cybersecurity, and web development. I analyzed how different devices, screen readers, and assistive technologies impacted the usability and security of websites. The goal was to identify how design and development decisions could unintentionally create barriers for users with disabilities - and how that, in turn, affects their ability to access secure digital environments.

 

This work directly relates to the Grand Challenge of securing cyberspace because strong cybersecurity must be accessible to everyone. If a user can't safely navigate a login screen or complete a multi-factor authentication step due to poor design or incompatibility with assistive tools, the system fails them. By combining usability testing, code-level analysis, and accessibility standards, I explored how to make digital security more inclusive and effective.

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Reflection

Identifying Disciplines

My research combined cybersecurity, human-computer interaction (HCI), and web development. Cybersecurity framed the problem, HCI helped me understand user needs (especially for people with disabilities), and web development provided the tools to evaluate and improve accessibility. All three were essential to fully address the challenge. 

1

Creating Common Ground

To bring different perspectives together, I focused on shared goals like usability and safety. I explained technical concepts in simple terms for non-technical collaborators and learned from accessibility experts. Using common standards like WCAG and threat models helped align our efforts.

2

Bridging Disciplines

I used both technical audits and user testing to bridge the gap between security and usability. Code-level analysis showed what worked on paper, while real-world testing showed how users actually experienced those systems. Blending these methods helped me build a more complete picture.

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