Human Factors/Applied Cognition Concentration

Padmini Sudhesh, 2025

I completed my undergraduate degree in neuroscience at George Mason University and recently earned my MA in human factors and applied cognition. Over the past year and a half, my time at George Mason has been incredibly fulfilling, both academically and personally, shaped by meaningful research experiences and lasting friendships. 

What was your specific area of study and how did you choose it? 

My focus within human factors centers on transportation systems, human–automation interaction, human–robot interaction, and AI. I was drawn to these areas because it allowed me to apply my background in neuroscience to real-world problems, particularly at the intersection of human cognition, technology, and safety-critical systems.  

How did your academic experiences in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences impact you? 

My experiences in CHSS opened me up to a world of interdisciplinary research and innovation, where psychology, technology, and design intersect. The college also fostered strong mentorship and networking opportunities that helped me grow both as a researcher and as a professional. 

Are there faculty or staff members who made a difference during your George Mason career? 

Yes. Professor Yi-Ching Lee, my advisor and the human factors program director, played a transformative role in my academic journey. Under her mentorship, I joined her lab at the start of the program and had opportunities to present a talk, a poster, and a publication at the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES) conferences, while also receiving constant encouragement and support to pursue meaningful research and professional opportunities. 

Why did you choose George Mason for your graduate studies? 

I chose George Mason because of its strong reputation in human factors and its emphasis on applied, high-impact research. The program’s international collaborations and close ties to industry and government research made it an ideal environment for my academic and career goals.

Which accomplishments during your time at George Mason are you most proud of? 

I am most proud of my time serving as president of the GMU HFES Student Chapter, during which we earned the Gold Award for Outstanding Student Chapter. I am especially proud of launching the Unofficial Biographies speaker series, which brought world-renowned experts to George Mason, including Dr. Don Norman (father of UX), Dr. Missy Cummings (one of the first female fighter pilots and a leader in human-autonomy systems), Dr. Peter Hancock (a pioneer in human performance and cognitive ergonomics), and Dr. Christopher Wickens (known for foundational contributions to attention, workload, and human–automation interaction). 

What advice would you give to an incoming cohort of graduate students? 

Go for every opportunity you can. Graduate school is about much more than attending classes. The experience is truly what you make of it, and growth comes from getting involved in research, leadership, and professional communities beyond the classroom. 

What are your current career plans following graduation? What are your long-term career goals? 

As I apply for full-time roles, I am continuing my research through an ongoing human–robot interaction study on perceived robot capacities, a team-based meta-analysis on human–automation interaction, and a collaborative explainable AI project with a German university. Long-term, I aim to build a career at the intersection of human factors, AI, and emerging technologies, contributing research that meaningfully improves how humans interact with complex systems.