Christine Toh, Ph.D.
- Associate Professor
- School of Interdisciplinary Informatics
General Information
Biography
I am an Associate Professor in the School of Interdisciplinary Informatics (Si2) in the College of Information Science & Technology at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. My research examines the design theories, methods, and approaches that form the basis of modern design endeavors in engineering and technology design. I study the influence of philosophical and intellectual traditions on the way that we make, research, think, and talk about our modern built world. Design is a negotiation between the forces that shape individuals, organizations, and societies, and I have dedicated my scholarship to understanding these forces and their interaction to get us one stop closer to fulfilling the design discipline’s promise of improving society.I teach in the Applied Computing and Informatics program at the University at Nebraska at Omaha, primarily focusing on Human-Centered Computing and Design Theory classes. As part of my goal of advancing the engineering design discipline, I also contribute to mentorship and community-building initiatives within the Design Engineering Division (DED) of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).
Teaching Interests
Human-Centered Computing;UX Design;Design Theory
Research Interests
My work explores the intersection of engineering design and systems that construct and influence the next generation of practitioners. I examine how disciplinary and structural frameworks shape the field’s ability to engage with and address social inequities, including how we train future engineers. I study these issues at three levels: individual designer cognition, tools and methods, and theories and frameworks shaping our field.
Service Summary
My service has focused on supporting STEM education through outreach with the broader community and through service to my research community in order to ensure scholarly excellence. These activities are built on my belief that all STEM students should be provided the opportunity to excel and meaningfully contribute to their disciplines and communities. My service goal is to engage in the broader community in my research and education in order to increase the visibility and enhance the reputation of the institution and research field.