ADLIFE Q&A
Gabriella Warren-Smith
Research Assistant
What’s your background and your current role?
I’m a Research Assistant at the University of Strathclyde, developing and enhancing the communications strategy and dissemination for ADLIFE. I have a multidisciplinary background in research, curating, and public programming across psychology, digital culture, and art. I founded the community interest company Cognitive Sensations, an arts and science initiative exploring the technologies of our time through research, events, exhibitions, new media art, and creative writing. This varied and diverse role has awarded me with extensive experience and expertise in strategic planning, project managing, research dissemination, public engagement, and communications.
Last year, in my passion for understanding the science behind human-computer interaction and human cognition, I took an exciting step in my career development and completed a MSc in Psychology at the University of Glasgow, sparking my interest in digital health.
Why did you want to be involved in the ADLIFE project?
When I came across my advertised role, I couldn’t have been more excited. My research has increasingly moved towards the field of digital health, with my latest project investigating the effects of chatbots on emotional disclosure in digital mental health care. I’m also incredibly passionate about the development of innovative solutions for the health and care of elderly individuals, in response to my concern for our ageing population, and the sad reality of the challenges in catering for the health of these individuals. The ADLIFE project is a valuable and meaningful project which I am proud to be a part of.
What your role in ADLIFE involve?
Our team at the University of Strathclyde are delivering work package 2 (WP2), the communications and dissemination plan. Using my experience and background in science communication and public engagement, I will be focusing on strategically developing audience engagement, strengthening the outreach of this project, and translating the project into meaningful outputs. Ultimately, the core objectives of this work are to benefit academics from a wide range of sectors, influence industry, and improve the health of elderly individuals. I’ll also be contributing to reports and research publications, furthering the findings from this project within academic contexts.
What most excites you about working on ADLIFE and with the Consortium?
I’m excited to meet and work alongside other researchers passionate about digital health, technology, and the health of elderly individuals. This is a networking and learning opportunity, that will inform my future career as a researcher and innovator in this field.
Finally, tell us something about you that people may not know.......?
I’m part of a rather wonderful football team and community called Cathkin Blazes. I joined them shortly after moving to Glasgow last year, in my curiosity to see if any of my schoolgirl football skills remained, and my eagerness to make some local girl pals. It very quickly became a full-on passion, hobby, and community I could not imagine being without. Although, playing in your 30s comes with aches and pains, so you will often find me around the office stretching!