Biography

Dr. Annu Prabhakar is a Professor in the School of Information Technology at the University of Cincinnati with over twenty-five years of experience in higher education as a faculty member, researcher, mentor, and academic leader. She holds a PhD in Informatics with a specialization in Human–Computer Interaction from Indiana University Bloomington, along with two master’s degrees: one in Computer Science and one in Informatics. Her academic and professional work is grounded in a strong interdisciplinary foundation that integrates computing, design, social science, and ethics.

Dr. Prabhakar’s research and teaching span Human–Computer Interaction, Human-Centered AI, and software application development, with a focus on designing compassionate technologies that support wellness, equity, and student success. Her broader work includes developing community-based systems that serve underserved populations through participatory and human-centered design approaches.

In 2025–26, Dr. Prabhakar serves as a Provost Faculty Fellow, where she leads an initiative advancing compassionate, human-centered, AI-enabled strategies for student retention and graduation. She is a recipient of the George Barbour Award, which recognizes excellence in faculty–student relations and sustained commitment to student success.

Beyond teaching and research, Dr. Prabhakar is deeply engaged in academic service and leadership. She has served multiple terms as a Faculty Senator, Chair of the Faculty Senate IT Committee, and member of the Faculty Senate Cabinet at the University of Cincinnati. She has contributed to institutional committees focused on technology, governance, and faculty affairs. She is also an active leader within ABET, serving as a Commissioner for the Computing Accreditation Commission and as a Team Chair for national and international accreditation visits, supporting quality assurance and continuous improvement in computing education globally.