- Knitting and Crocheting
- Needle Felting
- Avid Reader
- Mental Health
- Tennis
- Video Games
- Augmented Reality (AR) Development
Mercy Barikor
Houghton
Summary
Human Factors Researcher with a passion for designing inclusive solutions for vulnerable populations and individuals with disabilities. Experienced in risk assessments, root cause analysis, and user-centered design, with a strong focus on improving safety and accessibility. Seeking to apply human factors expertise in the healthcare industry to enhance patient outcomes and system efficiency.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
S-Stem Near-Peer Mentor
Michigan Technological University
05.2024 - Current
- Assists with professional development event logistics, prep materials, maintain Canvas page
- Assists with communications and reports (Microsoft Suite)
- Demonstrate an ability to work with all types of diverse & non-traditional students
- Assist with (potentially co-lead) workshops focusing on student resources and academic success
- Organize and lead community building events in the evenings and weekends with program participants
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Michigan Technological University
05.2023 - Current
- Conducted experiment to examine the effects of in-vehicle smart alerts on driver decision behavior
- Modified the NADS-1 driving sim scenario after data was lost due to system updates
- Ran participants in driving simulator study with Tobii glasses 3 eye tracker
- Created dynamic AOIs and TOIs for data analysis on Tobii glasses 3
- Immediate problem solving of issues in Tobii eye tracker and NADS-1 driving simulator
- Presented research at Institute for Computing and Cybersystems Conference (Fall, 2023; Fall 2024)
Guest Services Lead
Rozsa Center for Performing Arts
02.2020 - Current
- Managed and organized 20 events each year, delegated tasks to ushers, communicated with tech and stage crew, monitored patrons, submitted event reports to keep events on time
- Intercepted and solved problems with patrons to keep events running smoothly
- Trained 25+ new employees and volunteers before each event
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Pavlis Honors College
09.2022 - 05.2024
- Study explored recognition of gender stereotyping as a determinant of stereotype assimilation and contrast effects resulting from subtle bias exposure in STEM
- Interacted with stakeholders and stayed on track with project deadlines
- Increased reliability by 15% by removing corrupted data while scheduling and tracking participants
- Facilitated experiments with 20+ participants via zoom while inputting data into excel in a timely manner
- Presented research at Undergraduate Research Internship Program Annual Conference (Spring 2024)
- Supported faculty researchers, assisting with experiment design and implementation.
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Michigan Technological University
12.2022 - 04.2023
- Explored impact of social media algorithms contribution to perspectives, and examined user choice architecture.
- Maintained detailed records of all experiments conducted, ensuring easy accessibility and proper documentation procedures were followed.
- Developed skills in various research methodologies, ensuring high-quality work across diverse projects.
- Conducted fieldwork as needed, collecting vital data to supplement existing research efforts.
Tutor
Sylvan Learning Academy
08.2018 - 08.2021
- Worked closely with 30+ Intellectually and developmentally disabled (IDD) students using a person-first empathetic approach to cultivate learning and interpersonal skills.
- Collaborated with students to complete homework assignments, identify lagging skills, and correct weaknesses.
- Motivated students towards learning and studying to build self-confidence and reduce fear of failure.
- Tutored diverse groups of students to strengthen subject comprehension, boost confidence, and build important learning skills.
- Increased student comprehension by utilizing personalized teaching methods and adapting to individual learning styles.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Human Factors
Michigan Technological University
Houghton, MI04-2025
Skills
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Effective leadership
- Team collaboration
- Organization
- Experimental Design
- Stress management
- Microsoft office
- Problem-solving
- Data analysis
- Empathy
- Attention to detail
- SPSS proficiency
- Research methods
Accomplishments
- Presented research at Midwestern Psychologists Association Semi-Annual Conference (Spring 2025)
- Collaborated with Dr. Veinott and team in the development of new Human Factors method called Tracer.
- Grew Association of Psychology students membership by 70%
- Documented and resolved which Driving Simulator malfunctions which led to significant results.
Leadership
Humane Interface Design Enterprise: Lead team member (2024-2025)
- Interacted with stakeholders to keep projects on time.
Black Students Association: Event Coordinator (2023-2025)
- Organized over 20 events for 50+ students and community members.
Hillside Residence Hall Sustainability Representative (Aug 2023-April 2024)
- Encouraged community gardening efforts to promote sustainable living.
Association of Psychology Students: Vice President (2023-2025)
- Revived the club by initiating over 10 new members.
(NADS-1) Driving Simulator Instructor (2023-2025)
- Instructed over 60 people on how to interact with the simulator.
Interests
Clubs & Extracurriculars
Dance Team - Member (2021-2023)
Human Factors Ergonomics Society - Member (2021-2025)
Video Game club - Member (2022-2025)
Film Club - Member (2021-2022)
Psi Chi - Member (2025)
Presentations
"Using the Tracer Method for Supporting AI In Interface Design," Showcase [AI], and The Institute of Computing and Cybersystems. Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan, Fall 2023
"Recognition of Subtle Gender Bias in STEM," Undergraduate Research Internship Program. Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan, April 2024
"Esports Training: Noob No More," Midwestern Psychological Association, Chicago, Illinois, April 2025
Certification
CITI Training (2021-2026)
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) (2024-2027)
Timeline
S-Stem Near-Peer Mentor
Michigan Technological University
05.2024 - Current
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Michigan Technological University
05.2023 - Current
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Michigan Technological University
12.2022 - 04.2023
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Pavlis Honors College
09.2022 - 05.2024
Guest Services Lead
Rozsa Center for Performing Arts
02.2020 - Current
Tutor
Sylvan Learning Academy
08.2018 - 08.2021
Bachelor of Science - Human Factors
Michigan Technological University