about me!

Hi, I’m Matthew! I am a Computer Science PhD student at the University of Toronto working on information visualization and human-computer interaction. I am supervised by Carolina Nobre as part of the Human Interaction Visualization Lab and the Dynamic Graphics Project.

Broadly, I am interested in studying how people use data in their daily lives. Specifically, I use the lens of visualization literacy to define, measure, and improve the competencies that mediate access to data. Along the way, I try to critically analyze the definitions and concepts we come up with as a research community in terms of what values they promote and who might be excluded as a result.

Before U of T, I did my undergrad in computer science and interactive media at NYU Abu Dhabi. I also worked with Enrico Bertini on visualization for machine learning interpretability and Patrick Baudisch on adaptive interfaces for laser cutting. Before all that, I grew up in the Philippines.

My other interests include birdwatching, sewing, puzzles, urbanism, indie video games (especially roguelikes), music (especially hyperpop), and vegan cooking.

Feel free to email me at varona[at]cs.toronto.edu, read my blog, or check out my list of cool stuff on the Internet.

p.s. if you find the easter egg on this website, I will give you a prize when you tell me in person!