Get to Know Laurier’s Maurita T. Harris, assistant professor and director of the Well-Tech Research and Design Laboratory

Feb. 21, 2024

Meet Maurita T. Harris, an assistant professor in User Experience Design and Social Justice and Community Engagement and director of the Well-Tech Research and Design Laboratory at Wilfrid Laurier University. Harris’ research focuses on understanding how to design inclusive technology, including exploring inequities in the digital, race and health domains, as well as supporting the independence of aging populations.

Harris recently celebrated her first anniversary at Laurier. She took some time to answer questions about her research, teaching methods and accomplishments since joining the university’s Faculty of Liberal Arts.

Can you briefly explain your research in aging, technology and equity?

In a world where technology is becoming more embedded into our daily lives, we are also entering an age with more older adults than children under five. My research centres on exploring human behaviour and the relationship with technology – smartwatches, digital home assistants and virtual reality, as examples – to support older adults with and without impairments to live the lives they choose. I also explore racial and health inequities to work toward a world where anyone can use these technologies.

What initially inspired your interest in these topics?

Loved ones. Growing up, I saw how technology did not support them as they hoped. While studying psychology at North Carolina State University, I learned about “human factors,” the study of how people use technology. This is when I realized I could work to create a better world for people like my loved ones who struggled to use technology for various reasons. Since then, I have worked to understand this friction to technology adoption to support older adults with various abilities to live their lives.

As a faculty member, what does Black flourishing in academia mean to you and how does it intersect with your research?

Black flourishing in academia means being able to be in academia without inequitable hindrances; centering joy and decreasing external stressors from systemic racism; and sitting at tables where we are intentionally invited to be heard and not forgotten. I instill these three pillars within my research laboratory because I want everyone to have access to research. For example, ensuring community members can join my research laboratory regardless of whether they are a student.

What more can you tell us about the direction or focus of your future research?

My goal is to use the findings from my research to give back to communities and make a real impact where I can. So, I am moving toward expanding my research agenda to include lifespan, policy and international connections.

Describe your teaching style. What can students expect in your classes?

My goal as a teacher is to develop courses where I teach with authenticity. Hence, students feel comfortable being themselves while aiming for an experience that leaves a lasting positive impression for years. In a chaotic world, I want my students to feel our time is a safe space to be and learn. So I centre authenticity, communication and compassion in all my courses.

What is a favourite piece of advice you’ve received from a mentor or significant figure in your life?

Feel the fear and do it anyway. There have been many opportunities where imposter syndrome may creep in, or I become afraid of the outcome. So, feeling the fear is important. Understanding where the fear is coming from and why. It is also important to push through, if possible and able. Without pushing through, many opportunities will be missed.

You recently marked your first anniversary at Laurier. What accomplishments or experiences are you most proud of since starting at the university?

Since starting at the university, I am proud of building relationships with my colleagues at Laurier, academics at other Canadian universities, and community members; collaborating to build out my research agenda and teaching topics; going after research grants and awards; and mentoring each of my students in the Well-Tech Research and Design Laboratory. These are just a few things I am proud of since starting at the university. More are to come