Hailey L Johnson, smiling headshot
· PhD Candidate · UW-Madison ·

Hailey L Johnson

she / her

I am currently on the job market.

I'm a computer science PhD candidate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the People and Robots Lab, advised by Prof. Bilge Mutlu. I am an accessibility researcher studying how intelligent systems, such as conversational agents and social robots, can support interdependence while leaving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in control. I'm a computer science PhD student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I work in the People and Robots Lab with Prof. Bilge Mutlu. I build smart technology, like AI assistants and robots, that helps adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities make decisions with the people they trust, while staying in charge.

Research Journey

My Research JourneyMy Work

I am committed to creating inclusive, accessible technologies that enable adults with Down syndrome (DS) to achieve their personal and occupational goals. My research is guided by a collaborative, user-centered approach that includes building connections with the DS community, engaging in co-design studies, and conducting user studies of technology solutions. Through this process, I strive to bridge the gap between technological innovation and the lived experiences of adults with DS. I want to build technology that helps adults with Down syndrome (DS) reach their personal and work goals. I don't just design in isolation. I talk with and learn from the DS community, work with them to shape ideas, and test technology with real users. The goal is to make sure what I build actually fits into people's real lives.

Highlights of my work include: Some examples of my work:

My goal is to ensure that every project centers the voices of adults with DS, designing technologies that are not only functional but also empowering and meaningful. In every project, the people I'm designing for have a real say. The goal isn't just technology that works, it's technology that actually matters to the people using it.

In the People & Robots Lab, Hailey Johnson PhDx’26 is finding her own path
UW--Madison Computer Sciences

Collaborators

Research Collaborations and MentorshipThe Team Around Me

Advisor Professor Graduate Student Undergrad Mentee
Dr. Bilge Mutlu
Advisor · Professor, CS
Dr. Audra Sterling
Collaborator · Professor, CSD & Waisman
Dr. Rahul Chatterjee
Collaborator · Professor, CS
Dr. Yuhang Zhao
Committee · Professor, CS
Dr. Kevin Ponto
Committee · Professor, Design Studies / WID
Dakota Sullivan
Graduate Collaborator
Julia Nonnenkamp
Graduate Collaborator/Mentee
Callie Kim
Graduate Collaborator
Heidi Spalitta
Graduate Mentee
Aishwarya Borse
Undergraduate Mentee
Vibhrav Jha
Undergraduate Mentee
Harsh Singh
Undergraduate Mentee

Looking Ahead

Future Career Vision

My long-term aspiration is to become a Professor of Computer Science and lead a research lab focused on accessibility for people with cognitive disabilities. I aim to build a community-engaged research program that bridges academic inquiry and real-world impact through sustained partnerships with local organizations, where students collaborate directly with community stakeholders. My long-term goal is to become a computer science professor and run my own research lab focused on making technology accessible for people with cognitive disabilities. I want to build a program where students work directly with local groups, not just in labs, but out in the community.

Beyond academia, I hope to contribute to the evolution of accessibility guidelines in industry and government to help ensure inclusive technologies are the norm rather than the exception. Reach out anytime if you’d like to connect. I also want to help shape how companies and governments think about accessibility, so that inclusive design becomes the standard. Feel free to reach out if you’d like to chat!

Outside the Lab

Hobbies & Interests

Hiking + National Parks

Growing up in Washington made loving the outdoors feel inevitable. Hiking is one of my favorite ways to slow down and recharge. I'm gradually checking national parks off my list and already have the next few planned. Growing up in Washington, I fell in love with being outside. Hiking is one of my favorite ways to unwind. I'm slowly working through the national parks list and always have the next trip on my mind.

Reading

I enjoy fantasy, magical realism, and classics, especially stories driven by strong characters and thoughtful reflections on identity, relationships, and meaning. A few favorites: I love reading fantasy, magical realism, and classic books. A few favorites:

  • Gideon the Ninth
  • Mrs. Dalloway
  • The Ocean at the End of the Lane
  • House in the Cerulean Sea
  • Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow
  • Before the Coffee Gets Cold
  • Transcendent Kingdom
  • The Alchemist
  • 1984

Sewing

I picked up sewing during COVID as a creative outlet, and it quickly became a favorite way to unwind. I enjoy trying new patterns and making useful items, and I love the quiet satisfaction of watching fabric become form, one deliberate step at a time. I started sewing during COVID, and I really enjoy it. Sewing helps me relax. I like choosing a pattern and making something I can use. It feels good to turn fabric into something real.

Baking

Baking has been part of my life for as long as I can remember, thanks to my mom. I like making everything from cookies to sourdough, and it is one of my favorite ways to unwind, be creative, and share something homemade with others. My mom taught me to bake, and I never really stopped. I like making everything from cookies to sourdough, and it is one of my favorite ways to relax and share something tasty with the people around me.