What first drew me to Rice University was interdisciplinarity. I wanted to connect my interests in science and how people interact with the world, which led me to pursue Human Factors and Ergonomics.
Human Factors and Ergonomics is about designing things that work for people, from apps and websites to workplaces and safety-critical systems. Take a spacecraft — while mechanical systems are vital, it’s just as important to ensure the design supports the people using it. Can the astronauts reach important controls? Does the layout support living and working in a confined space? Even the most advanced technology is only effective if it is safe, intuitive and designed for the people who use it.
At Rice, I can experience these ideas come to life through the Rice Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES). This student-led organization, open to both undergraduate and graduate students, creates a hands-on, collaborative space where people, design and technology intersect. I first got involved in HFES after hearing about it from other students, and I quickly discovered a welcoming community of like-minded peers and professionals.
For new students, I found that getting involved is easy. It did not matter whether I had experience or not, just an interest in learning! Students can just show up to a meeting, attend an event or visit our website to learn more. To help students connect with their peers and professionals in the field, HFES hosts guest speaker events, workshops and social gatherings. We also visit places like NASA and the Houston Methodist Institute for Technology, Innovation, and Education (MITIE) to see human-centered design in the real world.
But the best part of the chapter is the people! Since everyone comes from different academic backgrounds, the conversations are interesting and creative. I really appreciate how HFES is a space to explore interests, learn from others and see how different fields connect. This group has added a deeper meaning to my Rice experience, showing me how interdisciplinary thinking shapes the way we design and understand the world around us.
-Maha, PhD Student in the Human Factors and Human-Computer Interaction program (Published on 4/28/26)
Keep Exploring
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