Student Voices
Exploring the Human Factors Testing Lab
Sep 28, 2025
The Human Factors Testing Lab at the Center for Inclusive Design and Engineering (CIDE) continues to connect inclusive tech with real learners—thanks to partners like Dr. Tarik Walker, MD, MPH. Dr. Walker coordinated a recent student tour, giving learners a front-row look at bioengineering in action.
Some of the students involved shared a little about their experience touring these facilities and meeting with professors, researchers, and graduate students.
Victoria:
"I really appreciated getting to see the different labs and hearing about the variety of projects going on. It gave me a clearer picture of how broad the field of bioengineering actually is. I learned more about how bioengineering applies to real-world medical technology, which made the subject feel even more relevant and exciting."
Yazira:
"I loved the bioengineering tour. I didn’t realize that we had the technology to be able to simulate the environment of an internal organ (lung). I loved being able to visit the different labs and the demonstrations… Overall, I really did love the tour!"
Students also offered thoughtful suggestions we’re building on: a short follow-up handout with links to each lab’s work and giving host labs advance notice so presenters can prepare.
Impact of Student Tours on STEM Engagement
These visits do double duty—sparking student curiosity while showcasing how CIDE’s lab translates human-factors research into real-world assistive, medical, and mainstream technologies through our academic programs and industry collaborations.
How to Organize a Lab Tour with CIDE
Partnering with educators and community leaders is central to making these experiences possible. When schools or organizations reach out, we work together to design a visit that fits their students’ interests and goals—whether that means hands-on demonstrations, lab walk-throughs, or conversations with researchers about career pathways.
Bring Your Students to CIDE
Want to bring a group? We host tailored tours and demos for high schools, community programs, and educators—spotlighting career pathways and hands-on research.
If you are interested in attending an upcoming tour, please complete the following general interest form below. If the form isn't appearing on your browser, you can select the link: CIDE Lab Tour Interest Form (opens in a new tab).
By Elizabeth Coughanour