FETTAH KIRAN

Ph.D. Graduate in Computer Science | Affective & Data Computing Researcher

Houston, US.

About

Ph.D. graduate in Computer Science with a strong research background in Affective & Data Computing, specializing in AI/ML, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), and adaptive educational technologies. Expert in designing and executing complex experiments, advanced data analysis using R and Python, and developing innovative solutions for mental health support and educational challenges. Proven ability to translate complex research into impactful applications, evidenced by multiple publications and a track record of mentoring junior researchers.

Work

TIMES, University of Houston

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Research Assistant

Houston, TX, US

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Summary

Led experimental design and advanced data analysis for the NSF-funded Affective Math project, ensuring research integrity and reproducible outcomes.

Highlights

Designed and managed experimental setups for the NSF-funded Affective Math project, ensuring 100% alignment with research goals and maintaining high data integrity.

Led comprehensive data collection, curation, and visualization using R, standardizing analytic methods to enhance reproducibility across research initiatives.

Mentored junior lab members in advanced data techniques, fostering skill development and contributing to collaborative research success.

Affective Math Project, University of Houston

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Researcher

Houston, TX, US

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Summary

Contributed to the NSF-funded Affective Math project, focusing on experimental execution, data integrity, and advanced analytical method development.

Highlights

Conducted the NSF-funded Affective Math project (Award #1760760), executing experiments and training new graduate students to align with project goals.

Led data collection, curation, and visualization processes using R, ensuring high data quality and accuracy across research phases.

Developed and implemented advanced analytic methods, enhancing robust data analysis capabilities and generating actionable insights for the project.

Department of Computer Science, University of Houston

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Teaching Assistant

Houston, TX, US

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Summary

Facilitated graduate-level computer science education, leading lab sessions and evaluating student progress across core technical subjects.

Highlights

Prepared and graded assignments, midterms, and semester-long projects for graduate courses including Machine Learning and Data Science II, ensuring rigorous academic standards.

Led programming lab sessions for Statistical Methods in Research and Ubiquitous Computing, providing hands-on guidance to over 100 students per semester.

Achieved a 4.6/5.0 average rating on student evaluations, consistently receiving positive feedback for effective instruction and concept clarification.

M.S. Degree Study, Louisiana State University

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Researcher

Baton Rouge, LA, US

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Summary

Designed and executed a master's research project investigating the impact of background music on attention in children using a brain-computer interface.

Highlights

Developed and implemented an experimental protocol using an innovative brain-computer interface to study the effects of background music on attention in children with ADHD.

Conducted experiments with diverse participant groups (ADHD and non-ADHD), collecting critical data for neurological and behavioral analysis.

Analyzed research findings and disseminated comprehensive results through a published paper and an M.S. thesis, significantly contributing to the academic literature.

Education

University of Houston

Houston, TX, United States of America
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Ph.D. Computer Science Grade: 3.5 GPA

Courses

Statistical Methods in Research

Ubiquitous Computing

Affective Computing

Human-Computer Interaction

Physiological Signal Processing

Louisiana State University

Baton Rouge, LA, United States of America
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M.S. Computer Science Grade: 3.5 GPA

Courses

AI

ML

Video Game Design

Scientific Info Visualization

Brain Computer Interaction

ADHD

Serious Games

Ondokuz Mayis University

Samsun, Samsun, Türkiye
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B.S. Computer and Instructional Technologies Education Grade: 3.0 GPA

Courses

Material Design

Programming Languages

AI

Distance Learning

Publications

Reducing Stress in Math Tests through Video-Based Question Formats: A Multimodal Affective Study

IEEE Transactions on Affective Computing

Authored research on a multimodal affective study demonstrating how video-based question formats can reduce stress during math tests.

Facial Self-Touches Are Associated With Mental Stress in Knowledge Work

ACII '25: Affective Computing and Intelligent Interaction Conference

Co-authored a paper for ACII '25, investigating the correlation between facial self-touches and mental stress in knowledge work environments.

STREL - Naturalistic dataset and methods for studying stress and relaxation patterns in critical leading roles

IEEE Transactions on Affective Computing

Co-authored a publication introducing STREL, a naturalistic dataset and methodology for analyzing stress and relaxation patterns in high-stakes professional roles.

Relatable and Humorous Videos Reduce Hyperarousal in Math Exams

ACII '23: Affective Computing and Intelligent Interaction Conference

Authored research presented at ACII '23, demonstrating the effectiveness of relatable and humorous videos in reducing hyperarousal during math exams.

Mediating role of positivity in the relationship between state anxiety and problematic social media use during the COVID-19 pandemic

Death Studies

Co-authored a study published in Death Studies, exploring the mediating role of positivity in managing state anxiety and problematic social media use during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Quantifying Brain Activity State: EEG analysis of Background Music in A Serious Game on Attention of Children

4th International Symposium on Multidisciplinary Studies and Innovative Technologies (ISMSIT)

Co-authored and presented research on EEG analysis to quantify brain activity states, examining the impact of background music in a serious game on children's attention.

Exploring effects of background music in a serious game on attention by means of EEG signals in children (M.S. Thesis)

Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College

Authored Master's thesis investigating the effects of background music on children's attention using EEG signals within a serious game context.

Certificates

Micro-credential in Advanced Data Science

University of Houston

High-Performance Computing

University of Houston

CITI Export Controls

University of Houston

Skills

Data Analysis & Statistics

R Studio, Google Colab, AWS S3, Tableau, Paraview.

Operating Systems

MacOS, iOS, WatchOS, MS Windows, Linux, Bash, Cluster Computing.

Design & Modeling Tools

Pandas, Plotly, Scikit-learn, Xcode, SwiftUI, Canvas, Figma, Sketch.

Programming

Python, R, Swift, C++, Julia.

Projects

ACII2025 - Affective Computing Intelligent Interaction

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Summary

Presented research findings at the Affective Computing Intelligent Interaction conference in Canberra, Australia.

UH Computer Science PhD Research Showcase

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Summary

Showcased doctoral research at the University of Houston's Computer Science PhD Research Showcase.

ACII2023 - Affective Computing Intelligent Interaction

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Summary

Participated in the Affective Computing Intelligent Interaction conference held at The MIT Media Lab, Cambridge, MA, USA.

4th International Symposium on Multidisciplinary Studies and Innovative Technologies

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Summary

Participated in the 4th International Symposium on Multidisciplinary Studies and Innovative Technologies.