We are SET Lab in the Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering Department at the University of Michigan-Dearborn

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We are SET Lab in the Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering Department at the University of Michigan-Dearborn

View Publications

Our Research Areas

We use statistical methods, machine learning algorithms, and data visualization techniques to understand user cognitive states and develop strategies to improve interactions between humans and technologies

Behavioral and Physical Manifestation of States

We study people's physical reactions to assess their feelings, thoughts, and conditions

Behavioral and Physical Manifestation of States

We study people's physical reactions to assess their feelings, thoughts, and conditions

Behavioral and Physical Manifestation of States

We study people's physical reactions to assess their feelings, thoughts, and conditions

Individual-Tuned State Estimation and Monitoring

We modify how we observe a person's status based on their unique traits and behaviors

Individual-Tuned State Estimation and Monitoring

We modify how we observe a person's status based on their unique traits and behaviors

Individual-Tuned State Estimation and Monitoring

We modify how we observe a person's status based on their unique traits and behaviors

Contextual Machine
Learning for User States

We use ML to understand the surrounding context when predicting users' conditions

Contextual Machine
Learning for User States

We use ML to understand the surrounding context when predicting users' conditions

Contextual Machine
Learning for User States

We use ML to understand the surrounding context when predicting users' conditions

News

News

Projects & Publications

We use statistical methods, machine learning algorithms, and data visualization techniques to understand user cognitive states and develop strategies to improve interactions between humans and technologies.

We use statistical methods, machine learning algorithms, and data visualization techniques to understand user cognitive states and develop strategies to improve interactions between humans and technologies.

We use statistical methods, machine learning algorithms, and data visualization techniques to understand user cognitive states and develop strategies to improve interactions between humans and technologies.

Have a question about our work?

Have a question about our work?

Have a question about our work?
Contact us
Contact us

Emotion Monitoring and Quantification

We investigate riders' discomfort in automated vehicles using real-time emotion monitoring and introduce a new tool to analyze video emotion data.

Abstract
Coming Soon

Text Analytics to Compare and Select Trust Questionnaires

We systematically analyzed trust questionnaires using word embedding techniques and built an interactive web app to help people select the appropriate trust questionnaire.

Abstract
Read Now

Context-Based Mind Wandering Detection

We used t-SNE and interactive visualizations to understand mind wandering in drivers, finding that active steering or increasing task difficulty may reduce mind wandering.

Abstract
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Vicarious Steering: A Driver Engagement Indicator

We introduce "Vicarious Steering" (where drivers steer without affecting the car's path) and found that it indicates greater engagement, as seen by increased road glances and manual control transitions.

Abstract
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Motion Sickness Estimation through Posture and Facial Features

We analyzed videos of participants in automated vehicles using UMAP, discovering a correlation between driver's height and motion sickness, pointing to potential eye-point miscalibration in simulators.

Abstract
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Tools and Apps

Free Tools from SET Lab to Help Your Team Conduct Research

Trust Questionnaire Explorer

Trust Questionnaire Explorer

Our interactive web app visualizes the semantic space of trust questionnaires to help you select the right questionnaire for your research

Try Now

The DataScope

The DataScope

Our interactive web app visualizes the semantic space of trust questionnaires to help you select the right questionnaire for your research

Try Now

Driving Emotions Visualizer

Driving Emotions Visualizer

This app offers an interactive exploration of driving contexts' impact on drivers' emotions. It also provides a visual repository of these contexts.

Try Now

Meet the Team

Lab Director

Areen Alsaid

Areen is an assistant professor in the department of  Industrial and Manufacturing System Engineering at the University of Michigan-Dearborn and the director of the SET Lab. Prior joining UM-Dearborn, Areen was a research scientist at Ford Motor Company.


Areen earned her PhD. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Masters from the University of Central Florida, in 2020 and 2016, respectively. The goal of her research is to smooth the interaction between automation and humans through user state estimation and affective computing.

Google Scholar

Doctoral Students

Shiva Rasouli

Shiva is a Ph.D. student in the department of  Industrial and Manufacturing System Engineering at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. Shiva is interested in Human-Computer Interaction.


Her work focuses specifically on emotion recognition using machine learning and deep learning algorithms. In her free time, Shiva enjoys swimming, watching movies, and going out with friends.

Duha Alkurdi

Duha is a Ph.D. student in the IMSE department at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from the Jordan University of Science and Technology, Duha started her career life in academia as a research and teaching assistant at the German Jordanian University where she found in this field what defines and expresses her.


Duha enjoys reading and discovering new things, she believes that every day is a chance to learn something new. When not working, Duha likes to socialize and hang out with her friends.

Google Scholar

Master's Students

Kirill Nartov

Kirill is a data science graduate student at the Department of Computer and Information Science and a former business analyst at Volkswagen. Focusing on the human-centered aspects of data science and utilizing 3D modeling, he strives to contribute to making vehicles more comfortable and safe for drivers and road users. He also does UI prototyping for HMI interfaces.

Kirill Nartov

Kirill is a data science graduate student at the Department of Computer and Information Science and a former business analyst at Volkswagen. Focusing on the human-centered aspects of data science and utilizing 3D modeling, he strives to contribute to making vehicles more comfortable and safe for drivers and road users. He also does UI prototyping for HMI interfaces.

Nishthaa Lekhi

Nishthaa holds a BA in Psychology and Political Science from the University of British Columbia. With over six years of experience in behavioral and mental health fields, including roles as a Behavior Interventionist and Mental Health Worker, she brings a deep understanding of human behavior and cognition to her research. Her work in Learning & Development sparked an interest in leveraging technology for user-centered solutions. Outside the lab, you'll find Nishthaa hiking, exploring new cultures, and connecting with people along the way.

Nishthaa Lekhi

Nishthaa holds a BA in Psychology and Political Science from the University of British Columbia. With over six years of experience in behavioral and mental health fields, including roles as a Behavior Interventionist and Mental Health Worker, she brings a deep understanding of human behavior and cognition to her research. Her work in Learning & Development sparked an interest in leveraging technology for user-centered solutions. Outside the lab, you'll find Nishthaa hiking, exploring new cultures, and connecting with people along the way.

Sali El-loh

Sali El-loh is a master’s student in Artificial Intelligence at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering from the same institution. Her research interests lie at the intersection of AI and the human experience, exploring ways to humanize technology and integrate it into everyday life. Beyond academics, Sali enjoys cooking, nature, and art.

Sali El-loh

Sali El-loh is a master’s student in Artificial Intelligence at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering from the same institution. Her research interests lie at the intersection of AI and the human experience, exploring ways to humanize technology and integrate it into everyday life. Beyond academics, Sali enjoys cooking, nature, and art.

Former Team Members

Krishna Prasad Bhat

Krishna Prasad is a Master's student studying Artificial Intelligence. He is a technologist aiming to bridge the gap between research and engineering applications with the help of rapid prototying and analysis. 

Krishna Prasad Bhat

Krishna Prasad is a Master's student studying Artificial Intelligence. He is a technologist aiming to bridge the gap between research and engineering applications with the help of rapid prototying and analysis. 

Colin Prim

Colin is an undergraduate student studying Data Science at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. He enjoys research and has even authored an article on the relationship between classical music and emotion. When he's not working you can find him playing TTRPGs with friends.

Colin Prim

Colin is an undergraduate student studying Data Science at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. He enjoys research and has even authored an article on the relationship between classical music and emotion. When he's not working you can find him playing TTRPGs with friends.

Jana Taleb

Jana is currently a master's student at the University of Michigan-Dearborn studying Human-Centered Design and Engineering in the IMSE department. She completed her bachelor’s degree in Integrative Studies with concentrations in psychology, biology, and political science. Besides being an avid reader and creative writer, her main focus has always been to research ways to improve human quality of life whether it be within the realms of automation, social media, or healthcare.

Jana Taleb

Jana is currently a master's student at the University of Michigan-Dearborn studying Human-Centered Design and Engineering in the IMSE department. She completed her bachelor’s degree in Integrative Studies with concentrations in psychology, biology, and political science. Besides being an avid reader and creative writer, her main focus has always been to research ways to improve human quality of life whether it be within the realms of automation, social media, or healthcare.