Episode 8: Designing for Dignity: Dr. Aqueasha Hammond on Aging, AI, and the Future of Tech
Aqueasha Marie Hammond is an Associate Professor of Human-Computer Interaction in the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering at Indiana University–Indianapolis. She earned a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Clemson University, an M.S. in Computer Science from the University of Alabama, Birmingham, and a B.S. in Computer Science from Tougaloo College. She conducts research and teaches in Human-Computer Interaction, where she examines the intersection of aging, health, and intelligent user interface design. She studies the role of technology in supporting older adults’ health, well-being, and access to resources online and within their communities.
If you are interested in learning more about Dr. Hammond’s research and work, please visit her personal website.
In addition, you can also connect with her on LinkedIn.
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Anshu:
Hello and welcome to the Women of IU podcast. The show that highlights and celebrates the important work women do every day at IU and hopes to inspire future women leaders. This is brought to you by the Center of Excellence for Women in Technology. I'm Anshu Roja Selvamani.
Today, I'm going to interview Aqueasha Martin Hammond.
Dr. Hammond:
Sure. Thank you. Thank you so much for inviting me to talk to you all.
So, I am Aqueasha Martin Hammond, and my work is in the intersection of—so I'm a computer scientist. My background is in computer science and my research is at the intersection of aging, health, and technology. I work a lot with older adults, mainly individuals who are 60 or 65 and older. I work together with them to understand their thoughts about different technologies, especially in the intelligent interface or AI space, to support health and wellness, and to address concerns. A lot of my work is in health, wellness, and accessibility.
Anshu:
When I was researching, I read more about your work relating to older adults and their issues with technology. Can you share any specific challenges or barriers that older adults face with technology today based on your research?
Dr. Hammond:
Yeah. I meet many older adults with different digital literacy levels—from those who don’t use tech at all to those who are tech savvy. My research focuses on ensuring technology provides benefit without adding challenges. Many older adults adopt tech only if it’s helpful. In the AI space, they have concerns about trust and privacy, especially around devices like Alexa or Google Home, which they fear may not be truly private. There’s an opportunity for AI in health, but they want to be sure their data is protected.
Anshu:
Awesome. So, take us back. How did you get your start in this field of study?
Dr. Hammond:
Oh, sure. I kind of fell into computer science. I grew up in a small rural town, was good at math, and had an aunt who worked with computers. I didn’t initially know programming was computer science. I just liked solving problems. When I went to Tougaloo College and majored in CS, I discovered what computing could really be. I had mentors who encouraged me to go to grad school, pursue research, and even become faculty. It all stemmed from those early experiences and personal motivation.
Anshu:
That is awesome and very inspiring. So, can you tell us a little bit more about what you find the most significant about your work?
Dr. Hammond:
What I find the most significant or hopefully the most significant is, and what kind of pushes me to kind of do this type of work is the potential of these technologies for helping older adults stay independent longer. That part of my work was inspired by my grandparents, especially my grandmothers, who were dynamic and active. As they aged, I saw some of their independence decline and how that impacted them. I wanted to find ways for technology to support independence as much as each person desires. On the AI side, I’m interested in designing tech that respects people’s boundaries and helps rather than hinders.
Anshu:
Based on your experience of working with older adults, could you talk about the specific design principles or approaches that make technology more accessible and user friendly for older adults?
Dr. Hammond:
There’s a wide range, but especially with voice technologies, there are tradeoffs. For example, voice assistants like Alexa help people with arthritis or mobility issues continue using technology. But challenges exist for those with hearing or speech impairments. Aging affects hearing, sight, and cognition, so we have to think about how interfaces adapt. Design has to accommodate these changes to be inclusive.
Anshu:
Wonderful. So, can you tell us what was it like for you being a woman in this industry?
Dr. Hammond:
It's been okay. At Tougaloo, I didn’t see the barriers at first—many of our professors and classmates were women. But after graduating, I did face some of the challenges women experience in computing, like being mistaken for support staff at conferences. But I kept telling myself: I belong here. This is what I want to do. I pushed forward knowing others are coming behind me, and I want to make space for them too.
Anshu:
What challenges do you see in your field, and how do you think those will evolve in the future?
Dr. Hammond:
From the aging perspective, the digital divide is still a major issue—not just who has access, but who can effectively use technology. As tech advances, more systems require digital engagement. People are being left behind. In AI, ethical challenges will grow—particularly in health. We need to think about the limits of AI, how we ease people’s concerns, and how we ensure ethics are real, not just promised.
Anshu:
Very interesting. What advice do you have for students or women earlier in their careers to succeed?
Dr. Hammond:
Know that you belong. You’re there for a reason. Find mentors who will guide you and support you. Don’t be afraid to reach out—mentors come in all forms. Many people are happy to help you navigate the field. Lean on them.
Anshu:
I've read about your NSF career award. Can you tell us a bit more about that and how it has helped you?
Dr. Hammond:
The NSF Career Award helped me explore how technologies like Alexa and chatbots can connect people—not just serve as companions. Many older adults want meaningful human connection. My students and I are exploring how tech can enable that, and the award has helped us gain skills and push our research forward.
Anshu:
Can you tell us a little bit more about your future research plans?
Dr. Hammond:
I’m continuing research on intelligent conversational assistants for health and wellness. I’d like to build and test ideas more publicly. I’m also diving into AI ethics, as we found many trade-offs older adults weigh when considering these tools. I’m also interested in community-based projects, recognizing the important role of organizations in adoption.
Anshu:
Who is a woman that inspires you?
Dr. Hammond:
Many women in academia inspire me, especially mentors and colleagues. But my greatest inspiration came from my grandmothers. They were strong, independent, and taught me that aging brings wisdom. Their lives and stories inspired me to explore how technology can support aging populations.
Anshu:
We're out of time, but it was lovely to have you here. If folks want to know more about your work, where can they find you?
Dr. Hammond:
Thank you! You can visit my personal website at aqueashamarie.com or my profile on the Luddy Indianapolis site. I’m also on LinkedIn—just search my full name. I’m happy to connect!
Anshu:
It was wonderful talking to you. Thank you so much for being here.
Dr. Hammond:
No, thank you so much for inviting me. This was wonderful. Great.
Anshu:
Thanks for listening to the Women of IU podcast. Please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and follow the center on Instagram at @iuwomenandtech. This podcast was recorded by the Center for Language Technology at IU. Stay tuned for the next episode. I'm Anshu Roja Selvamani. Thanks for listening everyone.