Elissa Weeden

Elissa Weeden is an Associate Professor in the School of Information at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), part of the Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences. She holds a BS and MS from RIT, and a Ph.D. from Nova Southeastern University. Her expertise lies in Accessibility and Data Science, with a focus on inclusive technology design and educational practices.

Dr. Weeden teaches courses such as Research in Accessibility, Access & Assistive Technology, and Design for Accessibility, emphasizing hands-on experience with assistive technologies and universal design principles. Her research explores accessibility curriculum development, ethics in persuasive interfaces, and strategies to retain STEM students through inclusive practices.

Her scholarship includes peer-reviewed articles on growth mindset frameworks for faculty, ethical considerations in user interfaces, and leveraging web conferencing for deaf students’ inclusion. She actively contributes to conferences such as SIGITE, IEEE Frontiers in Education, and PERSUASIVE, focusing on bridging technology and accessibility needs.

In her teaching and research, Dr. Weeden emphasizes proactive accessibility solutions, the intersection of aging and technology, and fostering inclusive educational environments through technology innovation.