Dr. Sonia Chiasson ( She/Her )

Co-Director and Computer Science Professor at Carleton University

Dr. Sonia Chiasson is a Professor of Computer Science at Carleton University and Co-Director of the Graduate Program in Human-Computer Interaction. An interdisciplinary researcher in HCI, cybersecurity, and privacy, she works closely with diverse populations to develop technologies that are both secure and human centered. Her recent NSERC McDonald Fellowship (2023–25) and past Canada Research Chair (Tier-2, 2012–22) support her innovative approaches to pressing digital challenges.

Dr. Chiasson’s five-year collaboration with non-profit MediaSmarts produced a multi-platform persuasive educational game teaching critical thinking and digital literacy skills. Adopted by over 550 schools across Canada, this project demonstrates her expertise in designing engaging, impactful interactive learning tools—directly relevant to EDIT-STEM’s goals of accessible STEM education. She previously co-created and served as Deputy Scientific Director of the $2.8M SERENE-RISC Cybersecurity network (2014–21), one of Canada’s Networks of Centers of Excellence for Knowledge Mobilization, showcasing her ability to lead large-scale, multi-sectoral partnerships that bridge research and real-world application.