Chris Adams

HDR Researcher | Design Ethics • Human-Centred AI • Critical Design

Australia

About

I’m currently focused on full-time research exploring design ethics, human-centred AI, and implicit interaction technologies. Grounded in a background in political science, my work critically examines how power dynamics manifest in sociotechnical systems, and how emerging technologies transform human subjectivities. I’m also interested in tangible design tools and toolkits that help surface complex ideas in design processes.

Experience

  • The University of Queensland (6 yrs 6 mos)
    • Tutor, Demonstrator, and Teaching Facilitator (Undergraduate and Postgraduate)
      Feb 2020 - Present · 6 yrs 6 mos

      I currently lead tutorials, workshops, and project-based sessions for a range of design and computing courses focusing on human-computer interaction, design computing, and interaction design. Working with undergraduate and postgraduate students, I focus on the cultivation of practical skills like user experience research, technical skill development, and collaborative project management.

    • Project Officer | Academic Integrity in Software Engineering and Computer Science
      Jul 2021 - Dec 2021 · 6 mos

      Coordinated the research and development of the School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering's "Academic Integrity Module", an interactive teaching and learning course designed to inform students about ethical conduct in software engineering and computer science. Introduced students to contemporary issues relating to intellectual property rights, copyright, software licensing, and appropriate methods of utilising and developing derivatives of existing digital media.

  • Content Developer / Student Success Specialist at Treehouse
    Jan 2022 - Dec 2022 · 1 yr

    Team Treehouse is a mission-driven organisation aiming to diversify the tech industry through accessible education, unlocking the door to opportunity, and empowering people to achieve their dreams. As a Student Success Specialist, I work directly with students around the world to teach, troubleshoot, and develop a deeper understanding of Full Stack JavaScript Web Development. As a Content Developer, I draw on user experience research and datasets to optimize educational products and perform core on-page SEO improvements.

  • Office of the Prime Minister of Australia (Former), The Hon. Kevin Rudd (4 yrs 7 mos)
    • Senior Advisor
      Sep 2016 - Jul 2019 · 2 yrs 11 mos

      Reported directly to the Hon. Kevin Rudd, both in his capacity as former Prime Minister of Australia and as President of the New York based think-tank the Asia Society Policy Institute. I provided policy research and advice on international political issues, with topics including: foreign policy; international trade and finance; nuclear arms and disarmament; China-US-Australian relations; Middle Eastern security; Australian domestic policy. I prepared daily briefing material for the Hon. Kevin Rudd’s media and public appearances, and contributed to major international speeches and policy announcements. Working primarily out of New York and Brisbane, I coordinated a rotating research staff of 36 over two years. In this capacity, I managed everyday office affairs and supervised staff policy and research submissions.

    • Executive Assistant
      Jan 2015 - Sep 2016 · 1 yr 9 mos

      Prepared briefing material and policy advice to assist the Former Prime Minister of Australia the Hon. Kevin Rudd in managing his international affairs. Provided to policy research and directions in the 2016 United Nations Secretary General campaign, and contributed to speech writing and public statements in international and domestic forums.

  • The University of Queensland (5 yrs 4 mos)
    • Technology Lead | Global Media and Technology in International Affairs
      Jul 2015 - Dec 2016 · 1 yr 6 mos

      Facilitated large-scale interactive workshops exploring the origins and contemporary roles of media in international affairs, both as a source of information and, increasingly, as an important medium of war, peace, and diplomacy. Introduced students to new and emerging interactive and digital technologies, and deeper issues enabling intangible harms within global society.

    • Head Tutor | US Foreign Policy and the Evolution of International Order
      Jul 2014 - Dec 2016 · 2 yrs 6 mos

      Coordinated collaborative teaching and learning workshops covering the breadth of contemporary and historical US foreign policy initiatives, and their theoretical and conceptual underpinnings within the broader scope of evolving international order. Introduced students to the nature and impact of the United States on the international system since the Second World War, situating the rise of American power in historical perspective by providing a theoretical framework within which to make sense of the nexus between the USA and the evolution of the international order between 1776 and the present. Particular attention was paid to the normative content of the USA as an idea and a project and to the current role that the US is playing in shaping tomorrow's international order.

    • Head Tutor | Contemporary International Relations Theory
      Jul 2013 - Dec 2016 · 3 yrs 6 mos

      Introduced undergraduate students to foundational concepts and theories in the study of international relations. Encouraged student development of critical thinking skills, literary insights, and evidence-based justifications for analysing and engaging with global change and international challenges. I developed interrogative discussion sessions to help better understand the changing nature of modern international relations. Topics covered included the 'traditional agenda' of war and peace, state sovereignty, nationalism, insecurity and war, nuclear weapons, international law, and the just war tradition; and the 'new agenda' of global governance and globalisation, non-state actors, terrorism, human rights and humanitarian intervention. Theoretical schools of thought introduced included realism / neo-realism, liberalism, and constructivism, including prominent derivatives.

  • Research Intern at Queensland Department of Primary Industries
    Jan 2009 - Dec 2009 · 1 yr

    Undergraduate research internship completed as part of my course requirements. Research focused on Australian trade exports with South East Asian countries.