Wajdi Aljedaani

Wajdi Aljedaani

Human-Computer Interaction & SE Researcher

University of North Texas

Biography

         Wajdi Aljedaani is a clinical assistant professor in the Computer science and Engineering Department at the University of North Texas. Wajdi holds a Master’s in Software Engineering from the Rochester Institute of Technology, a Bachelor’s in Software Engineering from the Technological University of the Shannon , and a Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering from the Technological University of the Shannon from Ireland. Wajdi is a dedicated researcher in the field of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) with a specialized focus on Natural Language Processing (NLP) for Accessibility. His work explores the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance accessibility features within digital environments, aiming to develop tools that raise developers' awareness of accessibility issues across platforms. Wajdi is committed to ethical AI practices, ensuring that technologies comply with human rights standards and contribute positively to diverse user communities. His research extends to improving accessibility in education and developing solutions that make learning environments more inclusive for all students. By innovating tools that assist in code production and prioritizing accessibility, Wajdi strives to make both educational and entertainment technologies accessible to everyone, regardless of their abilities.

Interests
  • Artificial Intelligence Ethics
  • Human Computer Interaction
  • Natural Language Processing
  • Human-Centered AI
  • Machine Learning

Experience

 
 
 
 
 
Clinical Assistant Professor
August 2023 – Present University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
  • Teaching: Delivering lectures and lessons, preparing course materials, and evaluating students’ performance through exams, assignments, and other assessments.
  • Research: Conduct original research in their area of expertise, publishing academic articles and books, and presenting their findings at conferences. Also, writing proposals to secure funding for research.
  • Mentoring: Advising students and serving as role models to assist in directing their professional and academic development.
  • Service: Participating in departmental and institutional activities, serving on committees, and helping in recruitment and mentoring new faculty members.
  • Professional Development: Expanding professional development, going to conferences and workshops, and collaborating with peers to advance their research and teaching objectives.
 
 
 
 
 
Teaching Fellow
May 2021 – July 2023 University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA

Responsibilities include:

  • Supported the teaching objectives of the department by delivering teaching through allocated lectures, tutorials, and other forms of undergraduate and postgraduate teaching.
  • Set and marked coursework and exams, providing constructive feedback to students.
  • Developed where appropriate revisions to existing modules or courses in terms of design, content, structure, forms of delivery, and method of assessment.
  • Developed teaching materials, methods, and approaches with guidance. Obtain and analyze feedback on own teaching design and delivery to facilitate this.
  • Contributed to developing new teaching approaches and course proposals and designing curricula that are academically excellent, coherent, and intellectually challenging.
  • Ensured that course design and delivery comply with the quality standards and regulations of the University and department.
  • Provided – mentoring - supervision to students, gave advice on study skills, and helped with learning problems. To identify the learning needs of students and define learning objectives.
  • Supervised student projects, field trips, and, where appropriate, placements.
 
 
 
 
 
Teaching Assistant
January 2021 – May 2021 University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA

Responsibilities include:

  • Assisted faculty with such tasks as lectures, data entry, exams, tutoring, and laboratory research, at times being responsible for an entire undergraduate course.
  • Assisted in writing supplementary lecture notes, answer keys, and visual aids.
  • Assure the proper setup and cleaning of labs and enforce laboratory rules to maintain a safe and educational environment.
  • Developed, wrote, and proctored examinations and then recorded and posted grades outside the class location and online.
  • Assisted students with course material during office hours and answered emails from students to ensure proper understanding of the course material.
  • Served as the administrator for the course discussion thread online and updated the online course page with current due dates, assignments, and class hours to make sure everyone had access to updated information.
  • Acquired all materials needed for course instruction, including textbooks and various supplies, to ensure instruction can proceed fully.
 
 
 
 
 
Lecturer–Software Engineering
October 2017 – December 2020 Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia

Responsibilities include:

  • Designed and deliver teaching material across a range of modules or within a subject area using appropriate teaching, learning support, and assessment methods.
  • Contributed to the planning, design, and development of objectives and materials.
  • Identified areas where the current provision needs revision or improvement.
  • Supervised student projects, field trips, and, where appropriate, placements.
  • Set, marked, and assessed work and examinations and provide feedback to students.
  • Undertook original research in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or related disciplines and prepared material for publication.
  • Developed research objectives, projects, and proposals and conducted individual or collaborative research projects.
 
 
 
 
 
Research Assistant–Software Engineering
October 2017 – December 2020 Rochester, NY, USA

Responsibilities include:

  • Collected research and analyzed data through complex techniques and procedures, library research, structured interviews, or other project-specific methodology.

  • Conducted literature searches and statistical and other quantitative analyses using databases and statistical tools for projects encompassing one or more of the following topics: Software Engineering, Mining Software Repositories, Empirical Software Engineering, and Software Architecture.

  • Wrote and edited materials for publication and presentation. Also, tracks organizes, and reports on the status of research activities.

  • Planned and modified research techniques, procedures, tests, equipment, or software management.

  • Assisted in designing and implementing research studies; performed independent research, conducted fieldwork, developed liaisons with community groups, and provided prevention education.

Projects

*
Artificial Intelligence Policy for Mobile Apps & Industrial Project
The "AI Policy for Mobile Apps" initiative is designed to develop comprehensive policies that govern the use of Artificial Intelligence in mobile applications. This project aims to address the ethical, privacy, and security challenges associated with AI in mobile environments, ensuring that AI technologies enhance user experiences without compromising user rights.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Ethics for Accessibility
"Artificial Intelligence (AI) Ethics for Accessibility" is an initiative focused on ensuring that AI technologies used to enhance accessibility are developed and implemented according to rigorous ethical standards. The project specifically addresses the challenges and responsibilities involved in deploying AI in a manner that respects and enhances the dignity and rights of individuals with disabilities.
Machine Learning (ML) for Accessibility
"Machine Learning (ML) for Accessibility " is an ambitious initiative that leverages Artificial Intelligence to break down barriers and enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities across digital and physical realms. By integrating cutting-edge AI technologies with accessibility needs, the project aims to create smarter, more adaptive environments that are truly inclusive.
Natural Language Processing (NLP) for Accessibility
The "Natural Language Processing (NLP) for Accessibility" initiative focuses on utilizing Natural Language Processing to analyze social media interactions and bug reports to enhance digital accessibility. This project aims to extract and synthesize insights from user-generated content to improve accessibility features in software applications, particularly for individuals with visual disabilities or eye conditions.
Accessibility in Education
This research project delves into the critical challenges and emerging opportunities in the field of educational accessibility, particularly for deaf and hard-of-hearing students in online learning environments. Inspired by a series of case studies and literature reviews, the project aims to address the specific accessibility barriers that were highlighted during the transition to online education amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.