About me

UF | 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 gerontechnology and health science, the focus of gerontology through the inclusion of technology. Ultimately, I am pursuing a doctorate degree while aiming to conduct research to advance healthy aging across the lifespan, and reduce health disparities through research and innovative technological development.

REsearch Experience and presentations

Identifying the Risk of Alzheimer’s in Older Adults using an Interactive Simulator

(January 2020 – April 2021)

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

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Mobile Application Development to Promote Physical Health and Activity in the Aging Community

(May 2020 – August 2020)

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#

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Detect Smoking Events using AI in Smartwatch Technology

(May 2019 – August 2019)

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

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Research presentations

(2019)

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.

Interest

Gerontology, Technology, Health Science, Artificial Intelligence, HCI and HCC, STEM Education