battel.kayli@gmail.com | U.S. Citizen
Education
Tufts University - Medford, MA
Master of Science, Human Factors Engineering May, 2025
Bachelor of Science, Human Factors Engineering, minor in Engineering Education Graduated summa cum laude, May, 2024
GPA 3.91, Dean’s List Fall 2020, Spring 2021, Fall 2021, Spring 2022, Spring 2023, Fall 2023, Spring 2024
DIS Copenhagen - København, Denmark
Semester Abroad August, 2022-December, 2022
Saguaro High School - Scottsdale, AZ
Graduated Valedictorian (Rank 1/315) August, 2022-December, 2022
Graduated with Distinction - Scottsdale Math and Science Academy
Relevant Courses and Skills
Classes include: Ergonomics in Design, Multitasking, Design Thinking, Impact of Self-Driving Cars, Human-Machine System Design, Applied Behavioral Statistics, Computer Interface Design, Methods for Human Factors Engineering, Advanced Engineering Psych., Materials and Manufacturing
Proficiency in: SolidWorks, Figma, R, Rhino, Microsoft 365 (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
Work Experience
Toyota Research Institute
Cambridge, MA June 2025-Present
Research Assistant (Consultant through HireArt)
Designing experiments, administering studies, analyzing data, and writing reports for research on AI and machine learning
Progressive Technology Federal Systems, Inc.
Remote February 2025-Present
Consultant
Providing transportation expertise and support on proposals and R&D
U.S. DOT Volpe National Transportation Systems Center
Cambridge, MA June-September 2023, January 2024-June 2025
Student Trainee (Engineering Psychologist)
Federal Aviation Administration - Performed comprehensive literature reviews and developed set of human factors guidelines for air traffic control systems; conducted in-depth database research for aviation safety incidents and accidents
Federal Transit Administration - Contributed research, analysis, and writing to project addressing transit crime & safety
Federal Railroad Administration - Documented experimental procedure and ran participants using CTIL simulator for a study looking at train engineer fatigue; researching and writing sections of report addressing critical incident trauma
Developed & presented technical analysis of the Human Factors Design Standard (HFDS) for Volpe NextGen aviation Community of Practice (CoP); assisted with launch of 2023 CoP Pulse Survey for all Volpe staff
U.S. Army DEVCOM
Medford, MA January-May, 2023
Human Factors Research Intern
Transcribed soldier drill planning sessions and documented communication dynamics; provided an overview of trends
Tufts Applied Cognition Lab
Medford, MA January 2022-May, 2023
Research Assistant
Responsible for continuation of lab-made Virtual Reality Driving Simulator using HTC Vive and Unity
Finalized Virtual Reality and attention research using Oculus headset
Ran research participants for stress and cognition study
Scottsdale Arts Learning & Innovation
Scottsdale, AZ May-August, 2021
Responsible for development of 2021 large-scale, interactive STEAM art installation displayed at the 2021 Scottsdale Canal Convergence festival, fielding over 300,000 attendees from across the United States
Project displayed at Canal Convergence, November, 2021 to all festival attendees. Approximately 5,000 direct participant AR interactions during 10 day festival
Provided program management and facilitation for cross-disciplinary team including: Scottsdale Arts Learning and Innovation organization; project artists; Saguaro High School students and staff; engineering team; and Boston-based Hoverlay augmented reality designers in production meetings.
Publications:
Human Factors and Engineering Education
For a comprehensive list of my publications, please view the Publications tab of this website.
Leadership and Recognition
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May, 2024
Recipient of the Tufts University Class of 2024 Human Factors Prize Departmental Academic Award
Prize is selected by the Human Factors Engineering faculty and is provided to one outstanding student who has excelled in the program
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May, 2022-May, 2023
Prestigious Scholarship for Leadership and Personal Development
Focus on leadership and personal growth
Conducted 6 weeks of research on Virtual Reality and Attention
Participated in leadership-building seminars
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October, 2018-Present
Community outreach program empowering K-8 girls in STEM
Over 2,500 Greater Phoenix students and community members served
Key Initiatives:
Annual Sisters in STEM Fair:
30+ hands-on demonstrations, up to 350 annual participants
Over 2,000 total participants, including students, parents, and volunteers
CyberSIS (2019-2020):
Virtual cyber safety training for 3rd-6th graders during school shutdowns
Partnered with Northrop Grumman; served 700+ students
2020 CyberPatriot Program:
Remote high school cybersecurity competition training
Collaboration with Northrop Grumman and USAF CyberPatriot program
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December, 2022
Children’s book addressing cyber education and STEM empowerment for young girls, published on Amazon
Featured in read-aloud sessions for children in Scottsdale Unified School District classrooms
Conducted author visits to classrooms, answering student questions about cyber safety
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One of 18 Arizona students awarded the annual ‘18 Under 18’ award for entrepreneurship and significant contributions to Arizona communities, for development of the Sisters in STEM program
Technical Activities
Tufts Human Factors & Ergonomics Society (THFES)
E-Board Member Fall, 2021-Spring, 2024
Co-President Spring, 2023 - Spring, 2024
Worked with a network of current students, alumni, professors, and mentors to organize events and manage club activities, including: meetings; workshops; facility visits; alumni networking events; makerspace events; bonding events; and more.
Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
Tufts Member Fall, 2020-Present
Scottsdale Unified School District Social Emotional Learning Committee
Member Summer, 2020
Sole student member of SUSD action committee tasked with addressing the physical, social, and emotional consequences of the pandemic on well-being of staff and students; developed and analyzed questionnaire deployed to over 2,000 SUSD seniors
Advocated for, developed, and assisted in the launch of the 2020 Saguaro High School drive-through graduation ceremony for approximately 1,000 student/family participants in response to survey results
World travel
Volleyball
Rock Climbing
Painting
Board/Card Games
Hiking
Volunteer work
Event organization