About
I am a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Bologna, where I conduct research at the intersection of Extended Reality (XR), Cognitive Augmentation, Human–Computer Interaction (HCI), Intelligent Systems, Human–AI Interaction, and the privacy and security challenges of immersive environments.
I hold a Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering from the University of Bologna. My doctoral research focused on the design and evaluation of cognitive augmentation systems using XR, AI, and sensor technologies to support learning, communication, and decision-making. I also hold an M.Sc. in Cognitive Science, with a specialization in cognitive psychology and spatial navigation, and a B.Sc. in Computer Science.
Over the years, I have led and co-developed interdisciplinary research initiatives that merge immersive media, intelligent systems, and human-centered design. My work places strong emphasis on inclusivity, having explored interaction techniques and learning tools tailored for individuals with autism, dyslexia, and upper-limb differences.
I have collaborated with research teams across Italy, Germany, and Spain, engaging in both national and international projects funded by the European Union and regional institutions.
Affiliation: University of Bologna — VARLab
Email: shirin.hajahmadi@unibo.it
Publications
2025
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Embracing Differences in Virtual Reality: Inclusive User-Centered Design of Bimanual Interaction Techniques
J Hartfill, S Hajahmadi, S Schmidt, G Marfia, F Steinicke
Frontiers in Virtual Reality 6, 1586875
2025 — PDF · BibTeX -
Preface to the First Workshop on GenAI-XR: Generative Artificial Intelligence Meets Extended Reality
AG Bosser, P Cascarano, J Lacoche, S Hajahmadi, A Stanescu, G Sörös
IEEE Conference on Virtual Reality and 3D User Interfaces (VR) – Abstracts
2025 — PDF · BibTeX -
Investigating the Impact of Voice-only and Embodied Conversational Virtual Agents on Mixed Reality Puzzle Solving
S Hajahmadi, P Cascarano, F Mostajeran, K Heuer, A Lux, ...
IEEE Conference on Virtual Reality and 3D User Interfaces (VR), 602–612
2025 — PDF · BibTeX · Demo -
A Comparative Analysis of 3D Modeling Methods for Integration into an Extended Reality Platform
P Cascarano, J Meglioraldi, G Vallasciani, V Armandi, G Augello, ... , S Hajahmadi
IEEE International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and eXtended Reality (AIxXR)
2025 — PDF · BibTeX -
Diegetic User Interfaces in Extended Reality for 3D Medical Visualization
P Cascarano, A Loretti, A Di Pasquale, S Hajahmadi, G Vallasciani, ...
IEEE International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and eXtended Reality (AIxXR)
2025 — PDF · BibTeX -
Redefining Fashion: A VR Journey from 360° Runway Show to Contextual Avatar Customization
S Hajahmadi, R Elnabouche, P Cascarano, G Marfia
IEEE International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and eXtended Reality (AIxXR)
2025 — PDF · BibTeX · Demo -
An Extended Reality Platform Powered by Large Language Models: A Case Study on Teaching Dance Costumes
S Garzarella, G Vallasciani, P Cascarano, S Hajahmadi, E Cervellati, ...
IEEE International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and eXtended Reality (AIxXR)
2025 — PDF · BibTeX
2024
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Investigating Extended Reality-Powered Digital Twins for Sequential Instruction Learning: The Case of the Rubik’s Cube
S Hajahmadi, L Stacchio, A Giacché, P Cascarano, G Marfia
IEEE International Symposium on Mixed and Augmented Reality (ISMAR)
2024 — PDF · BibTeX · Demo -
ARELE-bot: Inclusive Learning of Spanish as a Foreign Language through a Mobile App Integrating Augmented Reality and ChatGPT
S Hajahmadi, L Clementi, MDJ López, G Marfia
IEEE Conference on Virtual Reality and 3D User Interfaces – Abstracts
2024 — PDF · BibTeX · Demo -
Heritage Elements and Artificial Intelligence as Storytelling Tools for Virtual Retail Environments
S Hajahmadi, I Calvi, E Stacchiotti, P Cascarano, G Marfia
Digital Applications in Archaeology and Cultural Heritage 34, e00368
2024 — PDF · BibTeX -
M-AGEW: Empowering Outdoor Workouts with Data-Driven Augmented Reality Assistance
L Stacchio, V Armandi, S Hajahmadi, L Donatiello, G Marfia
IEEE International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and eXtended Reality (AIxXR)
2024 — PDF · BibTeX · Demo -
The Influence of Audiovisual Elements on the Realism of Generative AI Videos: The Case of Sora
A Sanchez-Acedo, A Carbonell-Alcocer, P Cascarano, S Hajahmadi, ...
International Workshop on Artificial Intelligence and Creativity
2024 — PDF · BibTeX -
PuzzleAide: Comparing Audio and Embodied Assistants for MR Puzzle-Solving
S Hajahmadi, F Mostajeran, K Heuer, A Lux, GO Mends-Cole, ...
ACM Symposium on Spatial User Interaction (SUI), 1–3
2024 — PDF · BibTeX -
XR4LAW: Implementing an Immersive Ergonomic User Interface for Legislative and Deliberative Institutions
G Di Maria, S Hajahmadi, S Sapienza, G Marfia, M Palmirani
ACM Symposium on Spatial User Interaction (SUI), 1–3
2024 — PDF · BibTeX -
Exploring Symbolic Narratives in Virtual Spaces: Leveraging Curiosity-Driven Design and the Attention-Value Model for Educational VR Museum Experiences
S Hajahmadi, S Ghasempouri, G Marfia
Mimesis Journal 13(2), 499–511
2024 — PDF · BibTeX
2023
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Effects of the Uncertainty of Interpersonal Communications on Behavioral Responses of the Participants in an Immersive Virtual Reality Experience: A Usability Study
S Hajahmadi, G Marfia
Sensors 23(4), 2148
2023 — PDF · BibTeX -
Toward a Shared Experience of Uncertainty of Interpersonal Communication Through an Immersive Virtual Reality Serious Game
S Hajahmadi, G Marfia
International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction (HCII), 566–580
2023 — PDF · BibTeX
2021
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Preserving Family Album Photos with the HoloLens 2
L Stacchio, S Hajahmadi, G Marfia
IEEE Conference on Virtual Reality and 3D User Interfaces – Abstracts
2021 — PDF · BibTeX · Demo -
Revive Family Photo Albums Through a Collaborative Environment Exploiting the HoloLens 2
L Stacchio, A Angeli, S Hajahmadi, G Marfia
IEEE International Symposium on Mixed and Augmented Reality (ISMAR) – Adjunct
2021 — PDF · BibTeX · Demo
VARLab
The Virtual and Augmented Reality Laboratory (VARLab) at the University of Bologna is a multidisciplinary research group dedicated to investigating how immersive technologies reshape human cognition, interaction, and experience.
As a postdoctoral researcher affiliated with VARLab, I contribute to interdisciplinary projects and collaborate with both local and international partners. I also mentor students across fields such as computer science and cognitive science.
Learn more about the lab at the official VARLab website.
Information for Prospective Students
I welcome applications from highly motivated Master's and Bachelor's students interested in research at the intersection of Extended Reality (XR), Human–Computer Interaction (HCI), Cognitive Augmentation, AI-driven interactive systems, and privacy and security in immersive environments.
Please send a short email outlining your interests and background, along with your CV and transcript (if available), to: shirin.hajahmadi2@unibo.it
Research Topics
- Conversational Agents and Digital Twins in XR Learning
- Privacy-security techniques for XR interactions
- Human–AI interaction in immersive environments
- Inclusive XR systems for users with cognitive or physical differences
Opportunities
- Thesis supervision (Bachelor/Master, both local and remote)
- Internships or project-based collaborations
Previous Student Theses
- Maryam Arjomandi – VR Fashion Experience Inspired by “Alice in Wonderland”
MSc Thesis · University of Bologna · 2023 - Igor Iurevici – User Enactments in VR: Smart Home Interaction Study
MSc Thesis · University of Bologna · 2023 - Ranim Elnabouche – Virtual Fashion Show as a Gateway to Avatar Customization
MSc Thesis · University of Bologna · 2023 - Yue Chen – Retail–Metaverse Synergy for Consumer Engagement
MSc Thesis · University of Bologna · 2023 - Kevin Heuer, Anton Lux, Gil Otis Mends-Cole – Mixed Reality Puzzle Solving with Virtual Assistants
BSc Project · University of Hamburg · 2023–2024
Previous Course Projects
- Mina Etesam – The Antique Museum
Fashion Studies MSc · 2021/22 · Advanced ICT for Fashion Lab
Two-room VR museum: common area with traditional books and an antique gallery. [GitHub] - Meizi Yu & Ting Su – Thierry Mugler Virtual Exhibition
Fashion Studies MSc · 2021/22 · Data Science & Immersive Tech for Fashion E-Commerce
Virtual exhibition dedicated to Manfred Thierry Mugler. [GitHub] - Afshan Khan – The Fall/Winter 2022 Collection by Ralph Lauren
Fashion Studies MSc · 2021/22 · Data Science & Immersive Tech for Fashion E-Commerce
Virtual exhibition showcasing Ralph Lauren’s FW22 collection. [GitHub] - Chiara Melchiori & Elizaveta Uvarova – Urban Glamour in Gucci Style
Fashion Studies MSc · 2021/22 · Data Science & Immersive Tech for Fashion E-Commerce
Virtual showroom recreating metropolitan glamour in Gucci style. - Maryam Arjomandi & Elena Glukhova – The Trussardi Exhibition Space
Fashion Studies MSc · 2021/22 · Data Science & Immersive Tech for Fashion E-Commerce
Interactive VR exhibition with reception, accessories, and clothing spaces. [GitHub]
CV
You can download my full academic CV below, or browse key highlights from my academic and research career.
Contact
Email: shirin.hajahmadi2@unibo.it
Institutional Affiliation:
Research Fellow, Department of Computer Science and Engineering
University of Bologna
Research Group:
Member of VARLab – Virtual and Augmented Reality Laboratory
Research Areas:
Extended Reality (XR), Cognitive Augmentation, Human–Computer Interaction (HCI), Intelligent Systems, Human–AI Interaction, Security and Privacy in XR
Office Address:
Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Università di Bologna, Via Camillo Ranzani 14/c, Bologna, Italia
Online Profiles:
Google Scholar ·
LinkedIn ·
ORCID