Rate Professor Jenny Waycott

Professional Summary: Professor Jenny Waycott

Professor Jenny Waycott is a highly regarded academic at the University of Melbourne, Australia, with a distinguished career in human-computer interaction (HCI) and technology design for social inclusion. Her work focuses on the intersection of technology and society, exploring how digital tools can support wellbeing, particularly for older adults and marginalized communities.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor Waycott holds a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Melbourne, where her research centered on human-computer interaction. Specific details of her undergraduate and other degrees are based on publicly available information from institutional profiles and academic records.

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Her research expertise lies in:

• Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)
• Technology design for aging populations
• Social inclusion and digital engagement
• Ethical implications of emerging technologies

Professor Waycott is particularly noted for her work on designing technologies that enhance social connectedness and address the challenges faced by older adults in adopting digital tools.

Career History and Appointments

Professor Waycott has held several key positions during her academic career:

• Associate Professor, School of Computing and Information Systems, University of Melbourne (current role as of latest records)
• Researcher and Lecturer, University of Melbourne, with progressive roles in the Department of Computing and Information Systems
• Active collaborator in interdisciplinary research projects across Australian and international institutions

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

While specific awards and fellowships may not be exhaustively listed in public domains, Professor Waycott has been recognized for her contributions to HCI and social impact research through:

• Grants and funding from prestigious bodies such as the Australian Research Council (ARC) for projects on technology and aging
• Invitations to speak at international conferences on HCI and gerontechnology

Key Publications

Professor Waycott has authored numerous influential papers and articles in the field of HCI. Some of her notable works include:

• Waycott, J., Vetere, F., Pedell, S., Kulik, L., Ozanne, E., Gruner, A., & Downs, J. (2013). 'Older adults as digital content creators.' Proceedings of the SIGCHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI '13).
• Waycott, J., Morgans, A., Pedell, S., Ozanne, E., Vetere, F., Kulik, L., & Davis, H. (2015). 'Ethics in evaluating a sociotechnical intervention with socially isolated older adults.' Qualitative Health Research.
• Waycott, J., Davis, H., Vetere, F., & Morgans, A. (2016). 'Alone together: Designing for social isolation in later life.' Proceedings of the 28th Australian Conference on Computer-Human Interaction (OzCHI '16).

Her publications are widely cited and contribute to discussions on technology design for vulnerable populations.

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Professor Waycott’s research has had a significant impact on the field of HCI, particularly in shaping how technology can be designed to be inclusive and accessible for older adults. Her work informs policy and practice in digital inclusion, contributing to global conversations on aging and technology. She is a respected voice in interdisciplinary research, bridging computing, sociology, and gerontology.

Public Lectures, Committees, and Editorial Contributions

Professor Waycott is actively involved in the academic community through:

• Presentations and keynote addresses at conferences such as CHI, OzCHI, and other HCI-focused events
• Membership in research committees and advisory roles on technology and aging within Australia
• Contributions as a reviewer and editorial board member for prominent journals in HCI and gerontechnology (specific roles based on public records)