Jas Brooks
they/them
Jas Brooks (they/them) is a Computer Science Ph.D. student at the University of Chicago, under the guidance of Professor Pedro Lopes. Their research is focused on expanding the computer interface to incorporate the chemical interactions of the human body, exploring the possibilities this paradigm presents. Through their work, Jas has created novel input/output methods such as new ways of integrating smell and temperature while remaining small and power efficient. Jas has been recognized for their research contributions, having published work at renowned Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) venues, such as ACM CHI and UIST, with two Best Paper Awards to their name. Their work has also been recognized by the Fast Company Innovation by Design Awards, receiving an Honorable Mention for Experimental Design, and has been featured in various media outlets such as WIRED, Fast Company, Digital Trends, and IEEE Spectrum. Jas's research was supported by a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship.
In their free time, Jas is devoted to studying the history of scent technologies and media. They are currently revisiting Behind the Great Wall in AromaRama (1959), working to preserve the last known Smell-O-Vision system and Scent of Mystery fragrance (1960), and interviewing stakeholders from DigiScents, Inc. Their co-curatorial work was a finalist for the 2022 Sadakichi Award for Experimental Use of Scent.