Join us for the next edition of Connected, a series of seminars featuring discussions between academia and industry at Melbourne Connect. Together, we can transform our ideas into more than the sum of their parts.
Audrey Balaska, Research Fellow, Human-Robot Interaction from The University of Melbourne’s School of Computing and Information Systems and Matt Harrison, Associate Professor in Learning Intervention in the Faculty of Education will be speaking on the Design of Technology for People with Disabilities. For this discussion, we are hoping to provide insight into inclusive collaboration and design of technology for people with disabilities. A catered lunch will be provided.
The Connected series is presented in partnership with The University of Melbourne's School of Computing and Information Systems.
About the Speakers
Dr. Audrey Balaska
Audrey is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Mechanical Engineering and Human-Robot Interaction at the University of Melbourne. Her research centres on the design of technology for people with disabilities, often focusing on how to include the various types of designers that might be involved in the process. She looks at assistive robotic solutions for people with disabilities, human-centered design of robotic systems, the development of mathematical representations of human and robot behavior, and ways for robots to improve how humans interact with each other.
Dr. Matt Harrison
Matthew is the founding member of the University of Melbourne Neurodiversity Project, a research-translation project that aims to provide support to neurodivergent students and staff at the University of Melbourne. He is an experienced teacher, researcher and digital creator who is an advocate for utilising technology to support social capacity building, belonging and inclusion in education. Matthew is currently coordinating Autism Intervention within the Master of Evidence-based Teaching, and previously served as the Director of Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) and Co-Director of Student Experience at the University of Melbourne Faculty of Education. His research primarily focuses on: neurodiversity, inclusive education, and the effective use of digital technologies as teaching and learning tools.
Nathan Batham
Mechatronics engineer, Nathan Batham is one half of the duo behind Product Design Lab. Based at Melbourne Connect Co-working, Product Design Lab (PDL) is a Melbourne-based product development studio specialising in helping high-impact researchers and startups transform their ideas into product-like prototypes. With a strong focus on MedTech and the commercialisation of health research, PDL bridges the gap between concept and market by creating prototypes that both look and function like the final product. These prototypes enable innovators to validate their ideas with users, attract funding, and build credibility, accelerating their journey toward market readiness.
Daisy Wong
Daisy Wong is a cybersecurity leader with a passion for building inclusive, people-first security cultures. As Head of Security Awareness at Medibank, she brings over twelve years of experience across IT and finance, blending marketing expertise with technical insight to design impactful, accessible programs. Born and raised in Melbourne with Hong Kong heritage and lived experience of spina bifida, Daisy brings a powerful intersectional lens to her work. Known for her bright pink wheelchair and even brighter leadership, she also serves as Sponsorship Manager at AWSN, championing visibility and access for women and people with disabilities in security.
