Human Factors/Applied Cognition Concentration

Hendeke Tafesse, 2025

I am graduating with a master’s degree from the Human Factors and Applied Cognition program at George Mason and will be continuing with the PhD program. During my time here, I have worked on research involving virtual reality as well as explainable AI and transparency in human-AI interaction. 

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

My area of study is human-agent interaction, with a focus on human-AI interaction. I joined the Human-Agent Collaboration (HAC) lab led by Professor Eileen Roesler during my master’s program, where I had the chance to work on research projects that deepened my interest in how humans interact with AI systems. These experiences made me want to work on research in explainable AI to better understand how to improve the way humans and AI work together. 

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

The program helped me grow as a researcher by giving me the skills to design and run experiments, analyze data, and think critically about human factors questions. Through coursework, mentorship, and hands-on lab experience, I became more confident in conducting research and contributing to the field. 

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

I am proud of the research I worked on in the HAC lab and of being part of such a supportive and motivated group of lab members. Working with my lab team has taught me a lot and has played a big role in helping me grow as a researcher. Being part of this lab has been one of the most meaningful parts of my time at George Mason. 

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

Professor Eileen Roesler has been an incredible mentor and role model. Her guidance, encouragement, and commitment to thoughtful, high-quality research have inspired me to pursue a career in academia and to work toward becoming a researcher who makes a meaningful contribution to the field. 

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

Get involved in research as early as you can and take the time to build connections with faculty and other students. It is through these experiences that you learn the most and grow both personally and professionally. Don’t be afraid to explore new areas and ask for help when you need it! 

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

After graduation, I’ll be continuing on to the PhD program in Human Factors and Applied Cognition here at George Mason. Long-term, I hope to pursue a career in research and academia, where I can continue working on advancing research in human-AI interaction. I also hope to be a mentor to future students, just as Professor Roesler has been such a great mentor to me.