Gemma Webster is a Lecturer in Computing in the School of Science and Engineering. Gemma completed her undergraduate degree in Computing BSc (Hons) in 2008 and PhD in 2011 at the School of Computing, University of Dundee. She has completed postdoctoral positions at Lancaster University as a Research Associate. In 2013 she joined the dot.rural Digital Economy Research Hub at the University of Aberdeen were she was a Research Fellow on the CURIOS, POWKist and MinkApp projects. Gemma joined Edinburgh Napier University in 2015 where she was an Associate Professor before joining University of Dundee in September 2023. Gemma is a Visiting Associate Professor- at Edinburgh Napier University. She has been a fellow of the higher education academy since 2016.

Gemma currently supervises two research students (one based at ENU), has 4 PhD completions, is the Undergraduate Computing Lead and teaches on User Interface Design, Human Computer Interaction, User Experience and Research Frontiers.

Gemma's principle research interests lie in the field of human computer interaction, health care, older adults, community and assistive technologies. She is an experienced multidisciplinary researcher who has worked in a number of different environments and areas including healthcare, nature conservation, community organisations and heritage. A key aspect of all Gemma's research is that it involves ‘real-world’ environments, problems and partners.

Recent research projects as Principle Investigator include 'Social media by proxy: Managing online information for adults with dementia' (Carnegie Trust 2019), 'Information Avoidance and Diabetes' (2020), 'Information professionals and volunteers as ‘digital proxies’: impact on effectiveness of clients and employees of informal support in accessing services' (SFC Covid 2021). Gemma has (co)authored over 25 publications in peer-reviewed national and international conferences and journals.

INTERNATIONAL DISTINCTIONS, AWARDS & PROFESSIONAL SERVICE

- Gemma's research was included in RCUK's Digital Economy's Decade of Success

- She was invited to attend Roundtable on Technology and Digital Social Care hosted by Scottish Care

- She was selected to participate in the Digital Economy Crucible programme

- Gemma is a full member of the EPSRC College

- Gemma's research has been awarded the EPSRC Telling Tales of Engagement award, 1st place at British Science Festival for impact and public engagement

- She reviews for Carnegie Trust Scotland and EPSRC, has been a programme committee member for ICTAS, COMPSAC, PATH, NordiCHI, completes reviewing for DIS, CHI, BHCI, International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, and Journal Interacting with Computers