Explore our Engineering PhDs | AAPS

Dr Alexandra Voinescu
Job Title:

Other key roles

Lecturer

Research Interests

Virtual Reality
Human Computer Interaction
Human factors
Autonomous vehicles

Bio

Alexandra Voinescu is a Lecturer and early career researcher in the Department of Psychology at the University of Bath. With a focus on cognitive psychology, Virtual Reality (VR), and human factors, Alexandra's research investigates the impact of human factors on the effectiveness of VR applications. She has experience in designing human-machine interfaces (HMIs) for fully connected autonomous vehicles (CAVs) for older adults and has collaborated with industry partners such as Airbus and Transport Systems Catapult, as well as charity organizations like Age UK and Designability

FunFacts

I enjoy climbing mountains.
After hours spent in VR I still get some mild simulator sickness symptoms, but never threw up!
Favourite national parks in the UK are Snowdonia and Lake District.
I don't like using cruise control despite research showing its benefits.
While I work I listen to music as it boosts my concentration and energy throughout the day.

What does being involved in AAPS mean for Alexandra?

Alexandra applies her expertise in HMI design for autonomous vehicles, using driving simulators to enhance user experience in virtual environments. She provides specialised advice and training to the PhD students on assessing the impact of human factors on performance and user experience in HMIs and automation.

Key research projects

Fellowship in Virtual Reality awarded by the University of Bath, Department of Psychology
Research Fellow on the FLOURISH project (funded by Innovate UK)
VRmind: Virtual reality based evaluation of mental disorders (EU commission, Horizon 2020)

Career/Research highlights and achievements

Alexandra was a Prize research fellow in Psychology at the University of Bath.