Hi, I’m Areen Khalaila

I design and study accessible systems for non-visual data interaction. My research sits at the intersection of human–computer interaction, data visualization, and accessibility, with a particular focus on tactile graphics and multisensory interfaces for blind and low-vision (BLV) users.

I am currently a PhD student in Computer Science at Tulane University. Previously, I completed my BSc in Computer Science (summa cum laude) at Brandeis University, where I received the full-ride Malkin Scholarship and the departmental Jacques Cohen Award for outstanding research. During my undergraduate studies, I was a member of the BraVa lab and mentored by Dr. Patrick Carrington and Frankling Mingzhi Li at Human-Computer Interaction Institute at Carnegie Mellon University.

My work has introduced new insights into tactile chart perception, design implications for accessible graphics, and interactive systems for inclusive learning. My work has been recognized with a Best Paper Award at IEEE VIS 2025 and published across premier venues in visualization and accessibility, including IEEE VIS, CHI, and ASSETS.

Through my work, I aim to reimagine visualization beyond sighted norms, designing systems that allow users with disabilities not only to access data, but to explore, interpret, and author it on their own terms. Feel free to contact me and check my CV for more details.