Hello. I’m Gabriela Vega, an electrical engineering undergraduate at the Peruvian University of Applied Science in Peru, attending CHI 2023 in Hamburg was an overwhelming and amazing experience that I will cherish forever. Being my first in-person CHI conference, it exceeded all my expectations and left me with a profound sense of gratitude and inspiration.
My journey in the field of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) began in 2021, and since then, I have been actively involved in various HCI projects. In 2022, I had the incredible opportunity to intern at the Sensorimotor Interaction Group in Germany. This internship not only provided me with invaluable hands-on experience but also allowed me to collaborate on a research paper that was presented at CHI 2023. The acceptance of our paper for presentation at such a prestigious conference was a significant accomplishment for me.

One of the highlights of my CHI experience was being the recipient of the ACM-Women award. I am immensely grateful for this recognition and the opportunity it provided me to attend the conference. The scholarship not only covered my expenses but also opened doors to incredible opportunities for learning, networking, and personal growth.

The conference itself was a whirlwind of awe-inspiring projects, innovative ideas, and groundbreaking research. From the moment I stepped into the conference venue, I was immersed in a vibrant atmosphere of knowledge exchange and collaboration. The ACM-Women scholarship also provided me with access to the Intro to HCI course, taught by three prestigious professors in the field. This opportunity allowed me to deepen my understanding of HCI principles, methodologies, and emerging trends. It was an enriching experience to learn directly from experts and gain insights that will undoubtedly shape my future endeavors in HCI research.

Throughout the conference, I was exposed to a wide range of areas within HCI that piqued my interest. From AI and haptics to wearables and sustainability, the diversity of projects and topics was staggering. I was particularly fascinated by the intersection of HCI with emerging technologies, as it opened up possibilities for innovative and impactful applications.

In summary, my experience at CHI 2023 was a transformative journey of inspiration and connection. The conference provided a platform for me to engage with the HCI community, and learn from esteemed professionals. I am forever grateful for this opportunity, and it has further solidified my commitment to pursuing a career in HCI research.

Photo: I am the one with a black sweater and with colorful backpack’s straps 🙂