“Instead of responding when it happens, why don’t we prevent it by taking action now!”
ABOUT ME
University of Florida | PhD Student in Human-Centered Computing
My name is Alaina Smith. Imagine thinking, “instead of responding when it happens, why don’t we prevent it by taking action now.” My research interests fall within health education and health science through the inclusion of technology. Ultimately, I am pursuing a doctorate while aiming to conduct research to advance healthy aging and wellness across the lifespan, reduce health disparities through research and innovative technological development, and improve the overall experience through detailed technical design.
Research Interest
User Experience Design, Human Computer Interaction, Human-Centered Computing, Gerontology, Health Education Technology, Evidence Based Technology to Improve Health, STEM Education, Artificial Intelligence
Research Experience
August 2021 - August 2022
January 2020 – April 2021
Evaluating New Technology for equitable and secure voter verification
The purpose of this study is to investigate the utility of using facial verification technology to verify voters. Tools: Amazon Rekognition, Python
IDENTIFYING THE RISK OF ALZHEIMER’S IN OLDER ADULTS USING AN INTERACTIVE SIMULATOR
The purpose of this study is to build decision trees to identify the risks of Alzheimer’s Disease and build a simulator to predict outcomes. Tools: Excel, JavaScript, CSS, HTML
May 2020 – August 2020
MOBILE APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT TO PROMOTE PHYSICAL HEALTH AND ACTIVITY IN THE AGING COMMUNITY
The purpose of this study was to promote and motivate the aging community to participate in physical activity while providing a safe way to do so and enhance technology skills using a mobile game. Role: undergraduate student; Tools: Unity Software, C#
May 2019 – August 2019
DETECT SMOKING EVENTS USING AI IN SMARTWATCH TECHNOLOGY
This research was aimed to study the habits of cigarette and vape smokers using smartwatches and use the data to find ways to intervene when the person attempts to smoke. Tools: Android Studio, Octave, Excel
Publications
Research Presentations
Gilbert, J.E., McKenzie, J., Smith, A., & Thompson, L. (2023) Evaluating New Technology for Equitable and Secure Voter Verification, Tech Policy Press, Technology and Democracy, April 7, 2023, https://techpolicy.press/evaluating-new-technology-for-equitable-and-secure-voter-verification/
Smith, A.E. (2019). Is Grandma Still Smoking Cigarettes? Detect Smoking Events Using AI in Smart Watch Technology. Poster Presented at the Gerontological Society of America 72nd Annual Meeting.
