Dr. Zerrin Ondin-Fraser is a Research Scientist whose work advances equity in assistive technology and digital accessibility through global engagement, user experience (UX) research, and community-driven innovation. She leads research programs that bridge design, technology, and lived experience, ensuring that people with disabilities are centered in the creation of meaningful and contextually relevant solutions.

Her scholarship focuses on global assistive technology innovation and accessible tech design, with a particular emphasis on approaches that generate real-world impact. Dr. Ondin-Fraser leads the Global Assistive Technology Innovation VIP course, which brings together interdisciplinary students to collaborate with disability organizations in Rwanda through immersive, community-engaged research. She also co-leads CIDI’s Accessible UX Research Lab, aiming to shape methodologies for evaluating the accessibility and usability of emerging educational and assistive technologies. Her UX research has informed federally and state-funded projects, including work supported by the National Science Foundation, NIDILRR, CDC, and multiple state agencies.

Dr. Ondin-Fraser served as Interim Executive Director of CIDI, guiding a 60+ person team through a period of organizational transition while strengthening research capacity, partnerships, and strategic direction. She also leads institute-level initiatives such as Welcome Wreck, a program designed to support research faculty onboarding and engagement.

Dr. Ondin-Fraser’s contributions have been recognized through several honors, including the Dean’s Award (2024) for her leadership at CIDI, the Advocates for Accessibility Award (2023) for advancing accessibility across Georgia Tech, and the Outstanding Research Faculty Award (2023) for exemplary achievements in sponsored research.

Across her work, Dr. Ondin-Fraser is dedicated to shaping a future where disability innovation is globally informed, community-rooted, and driven by inclusive design practices that expand access for all.

Statement of Teaching Interest

Dr. Zerrin Ondin-Fraser’s teaching centers on accessible design, global assistive technology innovation, and user experience research grounded in real-world impact. She is committed to experiential, community-engaged learning environments where students work directly with disability communities, partner organizations, and interdisciplinary teams. Through courses such as the Global Assistive Technology Innovation VIP and Inclusive UX Design, she guides students in developing culturally informed design practices, ethical research skills, and problem-solving methods. Her teaching emphasizes human-centered inquiry, cross-cultural collaboration, and the integration of lived experience into design processes, preparing students to create technologies and services that advance equity, accessibility, and global social impact.

Statement of Research Interest

Dr. Zerrin Ondin-Fraser’s research centers on global assistive technology innovation and accessible tech design. She develops community-informed approaches to advancing assistive technology access in low-resource contexts and leads experiential, cross-cultural research through the Global Assistive Technology Innovation VIP course, including collaborations with partners in Rwanda. Her work in accessible tech design and UX research shapes federally funded projects and informs the creation of accessible digital tools, as well as the launch of CIDI’s Accessible UX Research Lab. Across these efforts, Dr. Ondin-Fraser builds practical frameworks and partnerships that strengthen disability innovation and expand equitable access worldwide.

Recent Scholarly Work

Satterfield, B., & Ondin, Z. (2022). A Needs Assessment of Covid-19 Guidance for Adults with Developmental Disabilities. Assistive Technology Outcomes & Benefits.

Degrees with Year of Award:

• Ph.D., Instructional Design and Technology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 2015.
• Graduate Certificate, Human Computer Interaction, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 2015.
• M.A., Educational Science, Bogazici University, Istanbul, Turkey,2007.
• B.S., Computer Education and Instructional Technologies, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey, 2002.
• User Experience Certification by Nielsen and Norman Group, Oct 2018.
• Assistive Technology Applications Certification by California State University, Dec 2018