Directory Profile

Aisling designs, implements, and studies interactive media systems for enhancing reflection, learning, healing, and communication. Her work is grounded within the fields of human-computer-interaction, user experience design, and computer applications, and is motivated by a desire to seamlessly integrate computation into everyday mediated experiences. Her current research explores the role of AI, machine learning, and design in multiple interdisciplinary contexts including healthcare, arts and craft practice, parenting, and everyday rituals. Findings from her research are published in high-impact conferences including ACM CHI, DIS, MM, and ICWSM, and in leading journals including TOMCCAP, TOCHI, Frontiers in Neurology and Futures. Her research has been funded through grants from the NSF, NIH, and the MacArthur Foundation. Aisling is a Senior Member of the ACM and the Faculty Chair of the Iowa State College of Design Advisory Board.

At USC, she co-leads a research initiative in AI and Healthcare, teaches classes including Machines, Media, and Memoirs; Design Fiction and Speculative Futures; and Tactical Media Strategies. For 2024 - 2025, she is the chair of the School of Cinematic Arts Faculty Council. 

For over a decade, Aisling has been the technical correspondent on lyric fm’s Culture File show, which is broadcast every weekday evening on Irish national radio. Aisling received a Ph.D. in Media, Arts and Sciences from the MIT Media Lab. She also holds an MSc. in Multimedia Systems from Trinity College, Dublin, and a B.A. in Communications Studies from Dublin City University.