The following students have contributed to the research, development, and growth at the CoDHerS Lab under the supervision of Dr. Aynur Kadir.
Sai Manas Pandrangi (Co-op Student)
B.Sc. Computer Science
Sai Manas Pandrangi is a 2nd year undergraduate student at the University of British Columbia majoring in Computer Science. During his almost 1.5 years at the Collaborative Digital Heritage Studio (CoDHerS), he has worked on several production applications – Content Management Systems, Landing Pages, Interactive Games, and more. Manas is the Software Lead at CoDHerS and has a wide ranging set of responsibilities from developing full-stack applications to performing data analyses to creating/maintaining documentation to hiring/training/managing new members of the lab.
Aadit Shah (Co-op Student)
B.Sc. Computer Science & Statistics
Aadit Shah is a 3rd year Computer Science + Statistics Combined Major at the University of British Columbia. His work on Sozler Seylisi has covered various technical and non-technical aspects of software development- writing production code that converts static design mockups to interactive and responsive game levels and API endpoints to support necessary data upload. Furthermore, he has worked with both technical and non-technical stakeholders to translate qualitative requirements and feature requests into actionable implementation plans and demonstrate technical progress, features, and limitations.
Tianli Zhang (Research Assistant)
B.A.Sc Computer Engineering
Tianli Zhang is a 2nd year international undergraduate student from China majoring in Computer Engineering at the University of British Columbia. Tianli serves as a full-stack developer for the Sozler Seylisi project, an interactive Uyghur language game. His work spans implementing game levels, designing and abstracting data models, developing backend business logic, and building a user-friendly administrative portal for managing the game’s course structure and content.
Jade Dao (Former Research Assistant)
B.A. Economics & Art History (Dual Degree)
Jade Dao is a recent graduate of the Sciences Po Paris & UBC Dual Degree Program in Economics and Art History. Originally from Vietnam, Czech Republic and France, she brings a cross-cultural perspective to design, storytelling, and cultural research. In Summer 2026, Jade served as Media and Design Team Lead at CoDHerS, contributing to the development of Sozler Seylisi. She led the design of the game’s visual world spanning the Silk Road from the Taklamakan Desert to the Kashgar Bazaar. In her role, she also oversaw all studio operations, content creation, and team coordination across design and development.
Patricia Febi Widia Nugrahani (Former Research Assistant)
B.A. International Relations, Minor in Economics
Patricia Febi Widia Nugrahani is a recent graduate of the University of British Columbia with a B.A. in International Relations and a minor in Economics. Patricia is originally from Java, Indonesia. She has lived across Jakarta, Boyolali, and Vancouver, and hence brings a rich, multilingual, and cross-cultural perspective to cultural research, content creation, and design. At the CoDHerS lab, Febi leverages her expertise in graphic design, video editing, event planning, and visual storytelling, holding certifications in Adobe Photoshop and Microsoft Excel. She leads visual documentation across the lab’s digital platforms and Instagram, producing event recaps through digital photography, while actively engaging with diverse cultural and culinary communities across Vancouver.
Nikita Prabhu (Former Research Assistant)
B.Sc. Statistics
Nikita Prabhu is a Statistics graduate with a strong foundation in UX/UI design, data analysis, and computer science. Working at the intersection of design and technology, she focuses on creating intuitive, engaging digital experiences that merge analytical rigor with creative problem-solving. In Summer 2026, Nikita contributed to the UX/UI and game design of Sozler Seylisi. In this role, she applied prototyping, interaction design, and visual design while collaborating closely with technical teams to translate ideas into engaging user interactions. Driven by a passion for cross-functional collaboration and continuous learning, she aims to leverage her combined expertise in data, design, and technology to build thoughtful, impactful digital products.
Berfin Ustabaş (Former Research Assistant)
B.Sc. Global Resource Systems
Berfin Ustabaş is a Hemshin woman (Indigenous Armenian) from the highlands of Turkey, pursuing a degree in Global Resource Systems within the Faculty of Land and Food Systems. She is a Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Scholar at UBC. As a Research Assistant and Product Strategist, she is advancing CoDHerS’ interactive initiatives, supporting project development from conceptual design to execution. She takes part in both the creative direction and operational management of the lab’s projects
Kamila Maral (Former Research Assistant)
B.A. Political Science & Law (Dual Degree)
Kamila Maral is a graduate of the Sciences Po Paris & UBC Dual Degree Program in Political Science and Law, working at the intersection of AI governance, public policy, government, and global affairs. Having lived and worked across Central Asia, Europe, and North America, she brings a global, interdisciplinary perspective to how technology, innovation, and human–machine collaboration can improve transparency, decision-making, and public outcomes. Drawing on a diverse background spanning policy research, public affairs, and startup environments, Kamila is actively pursuing opportunities across policy, government, research, and innovation-driven organizations.
Aibibi Akshulakova (Former Research Assistant)
B.A. Political Science & Economics (Honours)
Aibibi Akshulakova is a Kazakh undergraduate student pursuing a double major in Honours Political Science and Economics. As a Research Assistant and Community Engagement Coordinator, she was at the forefront of collaborative design efforts within the CoDHerS lab. She managed CoDHerS’ event organization and planning, research literature for the Annotated Bibliography, as well as the development of social media presence and community outreach during her time in Summer 2025.
Eylül Kara (Former Lab Manager & Research Assistant)
M.Phil. Public Policy Analysis (Oxford University)
Eylül Kara is a Turkish graduate who completed her Honours degree in Political Science with International Relations at the University of British Columbia. She is now pursuing her Master’s degree at the University of Oxford. Her research interests lie at the intersection of social innovation, experimental political science, and evidence-based policy, with a focus on behavioural interventions, human-machine collaboration, and AI governance.
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If you are inspired by this page and would like to be the next student CoDHerS member, contact us at {email}.