Joanna Lumsden

Prior to moving to Glasgow Caledonian University, I was Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research Integrity) and Head of Department (Computer Science/Software Engineering and Cybersecurity) at Aston University in Birmingham.

Before that, I was a researcher with the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) after completing a number of research/post-doctoral positions at the University of Glasgow. I also held an Adjunct Professorship with the University of New Brunswick in Canada for many years.

I have extensive experience of leading large teams of academics, teaching fellows, researchers, and support staff, and delivering strategic department, school/college, and university-wide leadership.

I obtained my BSc in Software Engineering (Hons) from the University of Glasgow, where I also later achieved my PhD in Human Computer Interaction (HCI). My teaching, research interests and expertise are in HCI, especially mobile HCI, and associated evaluation techniques.

I have designed and led two state-of-the-art HCI labs and have experience delivering HCI-based training and consultancy to a range of stakeholders. I typically apply my research expertise in multidisciplinary research projects, with particular focus on user-centred design and development of mobile assistive technologies which enhance the quality of life of those with special, typically healthcare-related, needs and the use of multimodal input/output for use of technology in complex settings. My multidisciplinary research brings together technologists, domain experts, and most importantly end users, to co-design technology, empowering end users to ensure their needs are met via the introduction of technology – aligning with the University’s mission ‘For the Common Good’.

Consulting

My research activities cover many aspects of human computer interaction.  Most recently I have been focussing on trust in e-Commerce and on mobile human computer interaction design and associated evaluation techniques. I have been investigating novel approaches to participatory design involving users who are vulnerable or who have special needs.  I have a keen interest in using mobile technologies in novel capacities (e.g., as assistive devices) and in designing novel interaction techniques for mobile technologies.  I have an ongoing research interest in audio feedback design and how we can use audio feedback to enhance or completely replace visual-based I/O, especially in non-standard contexts of use (e.g., motor racing).  I have an interest in decision support systems.  My research is very practical in nature, and can be applied across a range of domains, including but not limited to motorsport, healthcare, education, smart cities, etc.

Current Ph.D. Supervision

• Nadeesha Chathurangi Naradde Vidana Pathirana: AI Voice Companion and Mental-Status Analyser for Socially Isolated Older Adults (principal supervisor, Amal Htait (Aston University))
• Vincent Zakka: Human Activity Analysis in Smart Environments (working title) (principal supervisor, Luis Manso (Aston University))

Graduated Ph.D. Students

• Semui Salawu (2021): Detection and Prevention of Cyberbullying on Online Social Networks (co-supervisor, Yulan He (Warwick University))
• Nicholas Powell (2018): Performance-Based Audio Feedback for Accelerated Skills Acquisition in Motorsport/Driver Training (associate supervisor, Harry Goldingay, Aston University)
• Lilit Hakobyan (2016): Self-Monitoring, Ability-Reactive Technology for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (associate supervisors Dympna O’Sullivan (City University, London) & Rachel Shaw (Aston University))
• Victoria Lush (2014): Visualisation of Quality Information for Geospatial and Remote Sensing Data (associate supervisor, Lucy Bastin, Aston University)
• Will Plant (2013): Effective Search for Colour Images (co-supervisor Ian Nabney, Aston University)
• Linda Duffett-Leger (2011): Developing a Web-Based Approach for Promoting Cervical Health in Young Women [University of New Brunswick, Canada] (co-supervisor B. Paterson, University of New Brunswick)

I have also supervised to completion six 2-year, Masters by research students at the University of New Brunswick.