One of the coolest feelings...

I am a computer scientist and I do research in HCI, or Human Computer Interaction.  In a nutshell, it is researching how to make computers of all sorts (laptop, desktop, phones, etc.) more compatible with people.  Basically making people's lives easier and more enjoyable, and allowing people to get more out of technology.  This has been my interest for years since I really love working with technology, but at the same time interested in how people think.

CHI is the #1 conference for people who do research in HCI; it really is the place to be.  In the past, I was never able to as an undergraduate, because you can't really afford to.

But now, as a first year Ph.D... I am finally here!  I am in beautiful Vancouver, B.C. until this Thursday and I am loving it.  Yes it is insane with 3000 people and so many options of talks to attend, but it is the coolest experience ever.  I am so thankful that I can reunite with old friends, make new ones, learn about relevant information straight from the source, and on top of it all - it is completely free.

Graduate school is definitely a gift.

But really - here is more on HCI - check it out :)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human%E2%80%93computer_interaction