01 / Human–AI Interaction
Trust in Complex Domains
Explainable AI and large language model evaluation for high-stakes decision-making — healthcare, public safety, and defence.
Human-Centered Computing Group · Western University
Studying the
soft membrane
between people and
computing.
We study how people work with intelligent and immersive technologies — from AI systems in healthcare and public safety to XR training and video games. Our research designs the studies, builds the measurement tools, and develops the analytics that make these technologies trustworthy, usable, and accountable in the real world.
Fig. 01AI generated collage — all humans pictured are in stable condition
§ Capacity
Over $8M in research funding.
Supported by
SSHRCNSERCORFDRDC IDEaSWestern UniversityWilfrid LaurierCFIMitacs
$8M+
In research funding
20+
Collaborations with partners
90+
Trainees supervised
20
Funded grants
§ What We're Working On
Three threads we're pulling on.
02 / XR & Training
Immersive Training & Assessment
Building and validating XR/AR training systems and capturing behavioural and physiological signals during immersive use.
03 / Games & Player Experience
Games as Sociotechnical Systems
Validated instruments and predictive analytics for player experience, engagement, and behaviour in commercial and serious games.
"I study how technologies reshape human experience and decision-making at scale — what they amplify, what they distort, and what they quietly make harder."
— Dr. Umair Rehman, Director
§ Open Positions
Join the lab.
PhD Student — AI in Complex Domains→MSc Student — Human-AI Interaction in Safety-Critical Work→MSc Student — XR & Immersive Training for Frontline Teams→MSc Student — Trust, Risk & Decision-Making with AI Systems→Visiting Researcher — Cognitive Ergonomics & Human Factors→Visiting Scholar — Responsible AI in Healthcare & Emergency Response→Visiting Student — Mixed Reality for Rehabilitation & Training→