Karina LaRubbio

I’m a first year Computer Science Ph.D. student at Brown University advised by Dr. Diana Freed. My primary research interest is sociotechnical systems within the context of at-risk populations.

Technologies make assumptions about behavior, and I’m interested in understanding what happens when those assumptions fail to consider some users’ preferences and needs. I’m particularly interested in evaluating and improving emerging technologies, like extended reality and artificial intelligence.

Previously, I earned a B.S. in Computer Science from the University of Florida. I did fun research projects on applications of eye tracking, interpersonal interactions in virtual reality, and more!

latest posts

May 05, 2024	I've graduated from UF!
Apr 15, 2024	I've accepted a CS Ph.D. offer at Brown University!
Jul 30, 2022	Study Abroad Recap

selected publications

Who do you look like? - Gaze-based authentication for workers in VR

Karina LaRubbio, Jeremiah Wright, Brendan David-John, and 2 more authors

In 2022 IEEE Conference on Virtual Reality and 3D User Interfaces Abstracts and Workshops (VRW), Mar 2022

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Behavior-based authentication methods are actively being developed for XR. In particular, gaze-based methods promise continuous au-thentication of remote users. However, gaze behavior depends on the task being performed. Identification rate is typically highest when comparing data from the same task. In this study, we compared authentication performance using VR gaze data during random dot viewing, 360-degree image viewing, and a nuclear training simu-lation. We found that within-task authentication performed best for image viewing (72%). The implication for practitioners is to integrate image viewing into a VR workflow to collect gaze data that is viable for authentication.
Give me some room please! Personal space bubbles for safety and performance

Karina LaRubbio, Ethan Wilson, Sanjeev Koppal, and 2 more authors

In 2023 IEEE Conference on Virtual Reality and 3D User Interfaces Abstracts and Workshops (VRW), Mar 2023

Abs DOI HTML PDF

Personal space bubbles are implemented in virtual environments to protect users from physical harassment. When activated, an impermeable boundary encloses the user completely and complicates collaborative tasks, such as passing objects or performing social gestures. When personal space protection is not balanced with functionality, the personal space bubble becomes a gilded cage. In this paper, we raise the possibility of alternate designs for personal space bubbles and test their impact on task performance within a workplace training context. Our early findings suggest that alternate bubble designs have the potential to balance safety and performance metrics such as task completion.