Dianna Hardy

Dr. Dianna Hardy is a Senior Lecturer at the Indigenous Education and Research Centre and a Research Fellow at The Cairns Institute, both at James Cook University. She is also a member of the Tropical Archaeology Research Lab. Her academic role is complemented by her position as a Casual Academic, reflecting her active engagement in teaching and research.

Dr. Hardy’s research focuses on co-design methodologies, leveraging technology to address community challenges. Key areas include: 1) co-design of social and technical solutions for diverse communities, 2) data sovereignty for Indigenous peoples, and 3) machine learning (ML/DL) applications in social sciences. She specializes in cultural interface theory to bridge Indigenous knowledge systems and technology. Notably, she co-facilitates the North Queensland AI Indigenous Datathon, using AI and drone imagery for environmental stewardship initiatives.

Her work integrates design thinking, participatory research, and ML to enhance wellbeing and cultural sustainability. She collaborates with organizations like DevNQ and Smart Precinct NQ, emphasizing tech startup ecosystems. Dr. Hardy seeks research students (MPhil/PhD) focused on co-design with communities, ML-driven socio-technical solutions, and technology for historical/cultural preservation.

Dr. Hardy’s publications span education technology, co-design frameworks, and Indigenous cultural heritage preservation, with notable contributions to AI ethics and participatory design in disability contexts.