Foad Hamidi

About Foad Hamidi

I am an Associate Professor at the Department of Information Systems at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). I have a PhD in Computer Science from the Lassonde School of Engineering at York University, Toronto.I specialize in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Participatory Design, Assistive Technology, and Intercultural Collaboration. To date, my research has resulted in 25 publications in top-tier peer-reviewed journals and conferences. I have published with 31 co-authors and have conducted projects in 5 countries, including Kenya, Mexico, Bhutan, Spain, Canada, and the United States. For my dissertation, I developed a hybrid digital living media system that combined digital and biological materials to motivate children with disabilities to complete learning and therapeutic activities. The system showed digital living media can engage children with diverse abilities and motivate them to communicate and collaborate with each other. I used a Participatory Design process to gather input from parents, teachers, caregivers and children themselves to design the systems. I have utilized a similar approach to understanding end-user perspectives in a range of other marginalized and underserved communities, including older adults and transgender users. I am also interested in exploring how Maker and DIY approaches to technology design can be made more inclusive and diverse. To this end, I have worked with community organizations to develop maker tools, processes, and programs for diverse populations, including people with disabilities and inner-city youth.

Experience

1. Associate Professor

   University of Maryland Baltimore County

   Jun 2025 — Present

Education

• York University

  Ph.D, Computer Science

  2009 — 2015

• York University

  B.A., Computer Science

  1999 — 2004

• York University

  M.Sc., Computer Science; Computer Science

  2004 — 2007

Skills

• Microsoft Office
• C++
• Computer Science
• Analysis
• Physical Computing
• Matlab
• Social Media
• Teaching
• C
• Programming
• Research
• Itc4d
• Java
• Algorithms
• Participatory Design
• University Teaching
• Human Computer Interaction
• Photoshop
• Intercultural Education
• Microsoft Excel
• Analytical Skills
• Project Management