CV

Curriculum vitae

Savannah Sidle is a Human–Computer Interaction researcher and digital builder based in Ottawa. Her work spans human–AI interaction, responsible AI, adaptive interfaces, accessibility, research, teaching, and technical support.

Ottawa, Ontario Sidle@hotmail.ca LinkedIn Print CV

01

Professional experience

Academic Coach and Workshop Facilitator

Indigenous Enriched Support Program, Carleton University · Ottawa

  • Planned and facilitated weekly academic-skills workshops, giving students practical strategies for learning and academic success.
  • Recruited Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and campus service providers to deliver culturally relevant workshops and expand access to specialized support.
  • Provided individualized coaching, clarified academic expectations, addressed barriers, and connected students with university and community resources.
  • Facilitated communication between students and professors, documented concerns involving students in distress, and coordinated timely referrals with CISCE staff.
  • Maintained Brightspace materials and study resources, organized semester celebrations, and created individualized awards recognizing student achievement and growth.

Teaching Assistant

Carleton University · Ottawa

PSYC 1001H: Introduction to Psychology I Jan. – Apr. 2023

  • Managed participation records, grades, tests, and examinations for 200 students while meeting grading deadlines.
  • Provided detailed assessment feedback, clarified grading decisions, and documented academic-integrity concerns.

MPAD 2003A: Introduction to Data Storytelling Sept. – Dec. 2022

  • Graded laboratories and projects for 46 students, providing actionable feedback on data cleaning, analysis, visualization, Markdown, and GitHub.
  • Applied consistent technical grading standards and helped students understand errors and carry corrections into later work.

PHIL 1301B: Mind, World, and Knowledge Jan. – Apr. 2022

  • Nominated for the Exceptional Teaching Assistant Award.
  • Assessed essays for 206 students and gave detailed feedback on argumentation, structure, concision, citations, formatting, and academic writing.
  • Created grading rubrics and supplementary resources, maintained Brightspace communications, and managed high-volume grading on schedule.

Research, Administrative & Project Assistant

Memorial University of Newfoundland · Corner Brook

  • Supported faculty across research, administrative, organizational, and project-based assignments.
  • Coordinated a social-psychology study on friendship, first impressions, and social networking, including participant onboarding, consent, questionnaire development, recorded interviews, and SPSS data preparation.
  • Managed documents, schedules, logistics, and operations, and coordinated travel and a visual itinerary for a 30-student academic trip to Harlow, England.

Internet Technical Support

Bell Aliant · Corner Brook

  • Diagnosed and resolved internet, network, software, and device issues through structured troubleshooting, remote access, and clear technical guidance.
  • Removed malware, configured software, installed security tools, documented resolutions, and escalated hardware issues for technician follow-up.

Professional publication

Redesigning Educational Systems with Inclusive Learning for ADHD Individuals · Teaching and Learning Services, Carleton University

Identified barriers in traditional educational systems and translated interdisciplinary neurodiversity research into recommendations for multimodal instruction, flexible assessment, individualized support, and emerging AI-enabled learning tools.

02

Selected research projects

User Trust of Adaptive Self-Aware Interfaces

Master’s thesis · Carleton University · Human–Computer Interaction

  • Designed a mixed-methods HCI study examining how adaptive interface behaviours influence trust, comfort, and perceived safety across changing environmental and connectivity conditions.
  • Integrated quantitative trust measures with qualitative interviews to study how people interpret system awareness, autonomy, and protective intervention.

Embodied Adaptive Interface Framework

Human–AI Interaction · Adaptive systems

  • Proposed a framework for interfaces that perceive relevant environmental conditions, adapt behaviour, and communicate context-sensitive responses.
  • Integrated HCI, embodied cognition, psychology, and adaptive-systems research to examine trust calibration and proactive user protection.

Human–AI Behavioural Language, Privacy & Trust

Mixed-methods research · Usable security

  • Investigated how descriptions of chatbot behaviour shape perceptions of memory, monitoring, persistence, privacy, and trust.
  • Combined experimental research, interviews, quantitative analysis, and thematic analysis to identify implications for transparency and trust calibration.

SMS Smishing & Usable Security

Security research · Human factors

  • Examined message characteristics, trust cues, and user interpretation affecting susceptibility to SMS phishing.
  • Evaluated how message and interface design influence threat recognition and decision-making.

AI Sustainability & Indigenous Food Sovereignty Prototype

Mila Indigenous Pathfinders in AI

  • Developed an AI-supported concept addressing food insecurity, climate adaptation, and Indigenous Food Sovereignty.
  • Integrated sustainability, community context, responsible technology use, and Indigenous knowledge systems.

EZ-TV: Accessible Media Interface

Mila Entrepreneurship Lab · Accessibility and interaction design

  • Designed a simplified television-interface concept for people living with dementia using task-oriented controls, familiar media, voice commands, scheduled content, family photographs, television, and music.
  • Evaluated competing products to identify opportunities for accessibility, personalization, and conventional-TV compatibility.

The Scope of Embodiment on Cognition

Research paper · Carleton University

  • Compared ACT-R, ACT-R/E, Soar, and Sigma and examined how embodiment, biology, evolution, spatial interaction, and sociocultural context shape cognition.
  • Synthesized research across AI, cognitive science, neuroscience, psychology, and human–robot interaction.

Biosensor Brain–Computer Interface Technology

Literature analysis and proposed framework · Carleton University

  • Analyzed EEG, fNIRS, usability, accessibility, privacy, security, gaming, interface design, and human factors.
  • Proposed a five-step, user-centred BCI framework spanning psychological state, signal acquisition, data translation, interface design, action, and feedback.
  • Applied the framework to a brain-controlled kinematic exoskeleton concept for space exploration.

Brain–Computer Interfaces: Systems, Accessibility & Human Control

Research presentation · HCIN 5300, Carleton University

  • Examined how neural activity can control computers, mobility technologies, and assistive devices.
  • Evaluated accessibility, usability, architecture, feedback, interface design, ethics, and barriers to adoption.

Gender, Race & the Risks of Large Language Models

Research presentation · Carleton University

  • Analyzed On the Dangers of Stochastic Parrots, environmental costs, training data, representational bias, abusive language, synthetic outputs, and research incentives.
  • Synthesized mitigation strategies including intentional dataset selection, documentation, user analysis, impact tracking, and pre-mortem risk assessment.

Commentary on Biases in Technology

Research commentary · Carleton University

  • Examined how training data, predictive systems, language models, workforce representation, and technology design reproduce structural inequities.
  • Evaluated inclusive design through stakeholder participation, dataset selection, documentation, wider pilot testing, and access to collaborative technology.

03

Education

Master of Human–Computer Interaction

School of Computer Science, Carleton University · Ottawa

  • Thesis: User Trust of Adaptive Self-Aware Interfaces.
  • Proposed the Embodied Adaptive Interface framework.
  • Recipient of 11 scholarships and academic awards during graduate studies.

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Psychology

Minor in Social/Cultural Studies · Memorial University of Newfoundland · Corner Brook

  • Named to the Grenfell Campus Vice-President’s List and received two academic scholarships.

04

Professional development

Indigenous Pathfinders in AI

Mila – Quebec AI Institute · Montreal

  • Selected for the CIFAR Inclusive AI Scholarship and completed AI training integrating machine-learning foundations, project development, and Indigenous perspectives.
  • Developed an AI sustainability prototype and later returned as an alumni application reviewer.

Vector Institute Learning Program

Google Career Certificate Scholarship · Toronto

  • Completed Google AI Essentials, covering generative AI, prompting, responsible AI, and AI-assisted workflows.
  • Undertook additional training through Technical Support Fundamentals.

Certificate in Teaching Assistant Skills

Carleton University

Completed development in inclusive teaching, assessment, educational design, and student support. Authored an article selected for publication by Teaching and Learning Services.

Kinàmàgawin Indigenous Learning Certificate

Carleton University

Developed applied knowledge of anti-Indigenous racism, institutional barriers, Indigenous student experiences, allyship, reconciliation, and right relations.

Student Support Certificate

Carleton University

Training in advising, communication, intercultural fluency, advocacy, Indigenous cultural awareness, and equity-focused service delivery.

Conferences & workshops

TELUS Data Ethics & Responsible AI Consultation Workshop
Contributed Indigenous perspectives on Indigenous Knowledge, data governance, ethical data practice, and responsible AI. Findings informed TELUS’ formal What We Heard report.

Topics in Prebiotic Chemistry and Early Earth Environments
Interdisciplinary discussion of impacts, prebiotic chemistry, planetary evolution, and origins-of-life research.

ALL IN – Artificial Intelligence
Received TELUS Responsible AI Program funding and completed a purple-teaming workshop.

CARE Principles Workshop
NASA Science Activation SCoPE Team and Arizona State University. Studied Indigenous data sovereignty, relational accountability, and culturally informed engagement.

Communicating Discoveries in the Search for Life in the Universe
Selected as a Tier 2 participant for a NASA Astrobiology science-communication workshop.

Science Talk ’24
Received a NASA Astrobiology registration award to attend the Association of Science Communicators conference.

Astrobiology Science Conference
Received NASA SCoPE funding to attend AbSciCon in Atlanta.

Astrobiology Science Communication Guild

Member · International

Participated in an international network focused on astrobiology communication, STEM outreach, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Additional training

Teaching, support & inclusion

Mental-health support for TAs; classroom dialogue; EDI; cross-cultural competence; safer spaces; Indigenous cultural awareness; queer and trans inclusion; student distress; de-escalation; Brightspace; TA orientation and practice.

Research & technical

Introduction to R and RStudio; Physics TA training.

Accessibility, safety & crisis response

AODA standards; workplace safety; WHMIS; infection prevention; disability inclusion; sexual-harassment prevention; fire safety; Non-Violent Crisis Intervention.

Project management

Scope, work breakdown, scheduling, communication, procurement, quality management, and delivery planning.

05

Community engagement

Volunteer

Corner Brook Regional Women’s Centre

  • Designed a searchable library database and redesigned public-facing pamphlets and educational materials.
  • Supported violence-prevention, public-health, Pride, and community-outreach initiatives, resource navigation, and crisis intervention.

Program & Outreach Member

Canadian Mental Health Initiative

  • Provided information, advocacy, and resource navigation related to mental health, suicide awareness, housing, and community services.
  • Supported awareness initiatives, public speaking, information management, events, and direct community engagement.

Harm Reduction Outreach Volunteer

Street Reach Program

  • Provided food, practical support, sterile supplies, and resource connections to people experiencing homelessness, mental illness, substance use, and service barriers.

Committee Member, Program Planning & Outreach

Mental Health Promotions Committee

  • Helped plan and deliver mental-health promotion initiatives addressing equity, anti-discrimination, addiction prevention, community support, and social determinants of health.

Sighted Volunteer

Be My Eyes · Virtual

  • Provided real-time visual assistance through video calls, translating objects, text, environments, and tasks into concise verbal guidance.

Guest Expert & Science Communicator

Innovation Academy High School · Alpharetta, Georgia

  • Supported student research on extraterrestrial intelligence by explaining the Drake Equation, Fermi Paradox, SETI protocols, communication, uncertainty, and ethics.

Guest Speaker

Berrigan Elementary Public School · Ottawa

  • Designed and delivered a Grade 2 lesson on the purpose of land acknowledgements and meaningful action.

Guest Speaker

Russell Public School · Russell, Ontario

  • Delivered an interactive space-science presentation and question session for kindergarten students.

Beaver Leader-in-Training

Scouts Canada · Corner Brook

  • Planned children’s activities and outdoor learning, taught introductory wilderness safety, and supported fundraising.

Summit Delegate

Grenfell Campus Jack Satellite Summit

Contributed lived experience and ideas for local mental-health advocacy and received a certificate of appreciation.

Volunteer

Tree Canada · Ottawa

Contributed to a one-day community initiative that planted more than 350 trees.

06

Awards & scholarships

Indspire Building Brighter Futures Scholarship
Indspire

Bernie Hanlon Memorial Scholarship
Carleton University

Electro-Federation Canada Scholarship
Electro-Federation Canada

Indigenous Graduate Entrance Award
Carleton University

School of Computer Science Departmental Scholarship
Carleton University

Indspire Building Brighter Futures Scholarship
Indspire

Indigenous Graduate Entrance Award
Carleton University

School of Computer Science Departmental Scholarship
Carleton University

Indspire Building Brighter Futures Scholarship
Indspire

Grenfell Campus Vice-President’s List
Memorial University of Newfoundland

Iris Kirby Memorial Scholarship
Memorial University of Newfoundland

NLHC Scholarship

07

Skills & competencies

Human–AI Interaction & HCI
Adaptive interfaces, user trust, trust calibration, explainability, accessibility, human factors, usability evaluation, and user testing.
AI Safety & Responsible AI
AI evaluation, red teaming, blue teaming, purple teaming, risk identification, privacy, ethical AI, and Indigenous data governance.
Research
Mixed methods, experimental design, interviews, surveys, questionnaire design, thematic analysis, qualitative coding, and usability studies.
Data & research tools
SPSS, NVivo, Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Excel, Google Colab, data cleaning, analysis, interpretation, and reporting.
Programming & web
Python, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Markdown, YAML, LaTeX, Jekyll, GitHub, GitHub Pages, version control, DNS, custom domains, and HTTPS.
Design & prototyping
Figma, Miro, AI prototyping, interface prototyping, information architecture, and visual communication.
Technical support
Hardware, software, and network troubleshooting; remote support; configuration; LogMeIn; and TeamViewer.
Platforms
Brightspace, Google Classroom, Jira, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet, Windows, and macOS.
Communication
Scholarly and technical writing, science communication, presentations, academic feedback, and stakeholder communication.
Languages
English (fluent) and French (beginner).