Robin Brewer

Robin is a researcher in the field of Human-Computer Interaction, specializing in the intersection of social computing and accessibility. They focus on enhancing technology experiences for digitally constrained communities. Robin's work involves designing, developing, and analyzing systems better to engage older adults and individuals with vision impairments, addressing the barriers they face in accessing and interacting with technology. They also explore the digital engagement of these communities and how researchers and designers can learn from their strengths.

One of Robin's recent research interests centers around accessible voice interfaces, such as IVR and smart speakers, and their role in supporting or hindering social and informational needs. In addition, Robin's students are involved in various projects related to obfuscation, AI technologies, emerging and accessible work practices, care platforms and labor, and memory and digitization.

Robin holds the position of Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan's School of Information (UMSI) and played a significant role in co-founding the Accessibility, HCI, and Aging (AHA!) lab across multiple departments, including the School of Information Department of Computer Science and Engineering, and STAMPS School of Art & Design. They also hold affiliate positions in the Center for Ethics, Society, and Computing (ESC) and the Digital Studies Institute.

Robin's research has received funding from institutions such as the NSF, Google, NIH, the Retirement Research Foundation, and the Department of Transportation. They have conducted research at several esteemed institutions, including Northwestern University, University of Maryland - Baltimore County (UMBC), Carnegie Mellon University, and University of Maryland - College Park. Furthermore, Robin has gained practical experience as a visiting researcher at Google and a user experience researcher at Microsoft Research, Facebook, and IBM Research.

Robin's academic background includes a Ph.D. in Technology and Social Behavior from Northwestern University, an M.S. in Human-Centered Computing from UMBC, and a B.S. in Computer Science from the University of Maryland.