Dr. Cristina Zaga

Assistant Professor

Build a Statement of Purpose

Generate a tailored SOP for Dr. Cristina Zaga. Improve your application with a focused, well-structured draft.

Biography

Cristina Zaga is an Assistant Professor in the Human-Centred Design group at the DesignLab of the University of Twente. She holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science and a double MSc in Cognitive Science and Human-Media Interaction (both with honors). Her doctoral thesis investigated 'robothings' under the supervision of leading professors in the field. Cristina is passionate about developing methodologies and tools that support societal transitions related to justice and solidarity in communities and the impact of artificial agents. Her research primarily focuses on societal challenges concerning technology in healthcare and future work amid automation and digitalization, emphasizing the importance of incorporating design research methodologies that are transdisciplinary and value-driven. Through her work, she aims to merge critical theories with speculative design approaches to visualize scenarios that provoke thought and challenge existing norms. Cristina is also involved in the Responsible Futuring project, which addresses societal issues by engaging both academic and non-academic communities. She has received multiple accolades for her research and is an active speaker at international conferences and symposia. Additionally, she leads the Social Justice AI networks, advocating for responsible AI development that promotes social and environmental justice.

Research Interests

Experience

Assistant Professor

— Present

Human-Centred Design group, University of Twente • Enschede, Netherlands

Cristina teaches and conducts research focusing on human-centered approaches in design, particularly in relation to technology and societal challenges.

Awards

#2022

NWO Science Prince DEI initiatives

#2022

Dutch High Education Award

#2018

Google Women Techmaker Award scholarship

Requirements for University of Twente

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.2
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:21
Reading
Required:21
Writing
Required:21
Speaking
Required:21
Total
Required:90
GMAT
Total Score
Required:600
Overall
Required:600
GRE General
Verbal
Required:143
Verbal Percentile
Required:25
Quantitative
Required:155
Quantitative Percentile
Required:60
Analytical Writing
Required:3
Writing Percentile
Required:25
Prerequisites
Bachelor of Science in a related field Knowledge of Statistics and Probability Knowledge of Mathematics Specialization-related topics: Operation Research, Simulation, Financial topics
Application Checklist
  • Transcript of records
  • Copy of diploma
  • Motivation letter
  • Resume (Europass format)
  • Course descriptions of relevant courses
  • English summary of thesis
Specialization Notes

Includes specializations in Financial Engineering & Management, Healthcare Technology & Management, and Production & Logistics Management.