Rate My Professor Kirsten Ellis

Ellis specializes in human-computer interaction, focusing on designing, developing, and evaluating technologies to create a more inclusive society, particularly for individuals with disabilities. Her research encompasses resources for teaching Australian Sign Language to hearing people using platforms like Nintendo DS, iPad, Kinect, and maker technologies such as eTextiles; accessible STEM making activities for those with physical or cognitive disabilities; accessibility solutions for blind and low-vision users; and technologies for anxiety detection and regulation. She has produced innovative tools like TapeBlocks, a making toolkit for people with intellectual disabilities. Her contributions have garnered major awards, including the 2022 Eureka Prize for STEM Inclusion from the Department of Industry, Science and Resources for TapeBlocks; the 2024 Good Design Award in Social Impact for co-designing STEAM experiences with the Accessible Markervan; 2nd prize in the 2022 Make: Amazing Maker Awards Education category; the 2023 Women in Tech Social Impact Advocacy Award; and the Veski Inspiring Women Career Recovery Grant from 2021 to 2022. Key publications include 'TapeBlocks: a making toolkit for people living with intellectual disabilities' (2021), 'MIC, an interactive sign language teaching system' (2018), 'TronicBoards: an accessible electronics toolkit for people with intellectual disabilities' (2022), 'Creative Technologies in Action: Empowering Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities' (2024), and 'A critical review of multimodal-multisensor analytics for anxiety assessment' (2022). Her work advances inclusive technologies and STEM engagement for diverse populations.