Cosmin Munteanu, a leading multidisciplinary researcher in human-computer interaction, has been appointed the new Schlegel Research Chair in Technology for Healthy Aging. Their research works at the intersection of aging and technology, focusing on facilitating meaningful and safe interactions between older adults and digital media devices.
Among their current research projects is the participatory creation of virtual worlds for seniors, allowing them to enjoyed shared meaningful experiences with loved ones, and modifications to platforms and devices that bridge generational gaps to enable older adults to spend time with family and friends online.
This position is a partnership between the Department of Systems Design Engineering (SYDE) at the University of Waterloo and the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA). In this role, Munteanu will use nearly three decades of research experience to design intelligent applications and devices that improve access to information, support learning, and reduce digital marginalization for older adults.
Cosmin Munteanu
“There is great potential for technology to contribute to enhanced quality of life and greater independence throughout the journey of aging,” said Tina Mah, Executive Director at the RIA. “We are thrilled to welcome Cosmin to the RIA and support the development of new technologies to meet the needs of older adults.”
Munteanu previously served as an Associate Professor at the Institute for Communication, Culture, Information, and Technology at University of Toronto Mississauga and Director of the Technologies for Aging Gracefully (TAG) lab. They will join SYDE as an Associate Professor and continue their work with the TAG lab.
“Cosmin has an impressive drive to innovate engineering design processes to be more inclusive of user experience and diverse expertise,” added Lisa Aultman-Hall, Professor and Chair of Systems Design Engineering. “Their work generates relevant and effective solutions to complex societal problems through a transdisciplinary approach that is grounded in the real-world experiences of older adults.”
Munteanu’s area of expertise is voice and multimodal interaction, and usability of these interfaces for older adults. Voice interfaces, seen in Siri and Google Home, have great potential to benefit older adults because they could address not only accessibility but also socio-technical and cultural barriers. Their research explores participatory approaches to designing voice interfaces that make these interactions more natural and empowering for older adults.
“I am excited to join the RIA and SYDE in this new role as Schlegel Chair,” said Munteanu. “The human and society-focused innovation culture nurtured within the RIA and SYDE partnership, and the outstanding community embedded research carried out by the current Schlegel Chairs, are unique in their capability to drive meaningful transformations to the design of age-tech. I look forward to further contributing to improving the lives of older adults, through an inclusive, participatory research agenda centred around emerging technologies such as voice or virtual interactions.”
Munteanu will have lab space in the RIA building at the Centre of Excellence for Innovation in Aging on the north campus of the University of Waterloo. The Centre integrates senior living with research, education, and community services. It is home to over 400 older adults who live in the onsite long-term care and retirement home operated by Schlegel Villages. This co-location provides opportunities for community-based research and the development of new technologies in collaboration with those who will benefit from them.
Their appointment at the RIA and SYDE begins July 1, 2022.
About Systems Design Engineering
Systems Design Engineering (SYDE) was established in 1969 and now has over 1,000 students and 42 dedicated faculty members. SYDE offers a unique interdisciplinary engineering program with a design and systems-focused curriculum and world-leading research in socio-environmental systems, human factors, mechatronics, and intelligent systems. The department also houses an undergraduate program in biomedical engineering and the Centre for Society, Technology and Values (CSTV). Among SYDE alumni are some of Waterloo’s most successful entrepreneurs.
About the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging
The Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA) is a charitable, non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing quality of life and care for older adults. The RIA tackles some of the biggest issues facing an aging population by integrating research, education and practice. The RIA develops solutions that make a difference to benefit older adults everywhere.
The RIA supports a world-class research team, including ten Schlegel Research Chairs, three Schlegel Specialists, and over 20 research scientists. The RIA has core partnerships with Schlegel Villages, University of Waterloo and Conestoga College, and collaborates with many other academic institutions and organizations. The RIA is located in Waterloo with unique-in-the-world infrastructure that brings together researchers, students, health professionals, older adults and care partners to learn with and from each other.