Dr Jeanie Beh

Biography

Prior to my role as a researcher, I graduated with bachelor and master’s degrees in Multimedia from Swinburne University of Technology, before working as a Multimedia Developer and Designer in industry with corporate and small businesses. I have several years of experience in research related to human-computer interaction (HCI), ageing (gerontology) and dementia.

Currently, undertaking Diploma of Sustainable Living with University of Tasmania (UTAS) and Certificate III in Horticulture at Melbourne Polytechnic. I have graduated with Master of Public Health from University of Technology Sydney (UTS). I am a co-guest editor for International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Special Issue "Health and Wellbeing Promotion for People Living with Dementia through Human-Centred Technologies" journal. 

Passionate about helping older adults further their curiosity and community participation, I have run workshops for older adults that help them develop skills in technologies. My research also contributes towards the development of interest-driven curriculum for older adults, carers and educators. I have volunteered as a tutor for older adults’ computer classes for over seven years.

I am interested in overturning the perception that older adults are unable or disinterested in developing skills using technology, including People Living with Dementia (PLWD), Younger Onset Dementia (YOD) and Mild Cognitive Impairments (MCI). My research focuses on ways to engage older adults with mobile touch screen technologies through the role of human interest and motivation.

Currently, a member of Community Advisory Committee (CAC) and Steering Committee (Service Model Project, Property Development and Standardised Processes and Practices for Volunteers) with ACCESS Health and Community (AHC). I was a Social Presciption Community Connector (A2C) and member of Camcare's Fresh Food Distribution Program & Emergency Relief Program, and Web Developer and User Experience Designer with Boroondara Stroke Support Group.

Projects:
- Supporting Everyday Mobile Touch Screen Learning and Use for People Living with Younger Onset Dementia and Mild Dementia (with University of Tasmania Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre).
- Design of innovative assistive technologies to support people living with dementia (with Dementia Australia).
- Well-being app ‘A Better Visit’ co-created with older adults living with advanced dementia distributed via the app store and involving games and music (with Dementia Australia).
- Design of Sensory Garden for Older Adults. 
- Replaying the Past – Inter-generational Digital Storytelling (with CSIRO)