By: Cassidy Delamarter, University Communications and Marketing
Students at the University of South Florida are dedicating their summer to tackling the multifaceted challenges faced by older adults, particularly those with disabilities from conditions such as Parkinson's disease and stroke. It's part of the Tech for Aging Summer Hackathon, a new, seven-week program hosted by USF's Center for Innovation, Technology and Aging (CITA), which was established last year with $1 million in seed funding through USF's Collaborative Research Excellence And Translational Efforts (CREATE) award.
"This is how USF meets the moment," said USF Provost Prasant Mohapatra, who launched the CREATE award program in 2023 to elevate the university's research enterprise. "By investing in ambitious ideas and the people behind them, we are advancing solutions to some of society's greatest challenges."
Since its launch in July 2024, the center has brought together experts from across seven USF colleges to reimagine how technology can improve care for people living with age-related conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. To inspire students, the Tech for Aging Summer Hackathon provides them the opportunity to collaborate with the CITA researchers to solve real problems through hands-on opportunities.
The program culminates with a showcase of prototypes, presentations and awards. Twelve teams of students will compete on projects, including the development of artificial intelligence algorithms to analyze hearing data and to control an intelligent robotic dog to help older adults at home.
"I've never worked with robots like this before," said Rice Pham, a sophomore majoring in computer engineering. "Some of the devices we're working on could help carry oxygen tanks for people who are oxygen dependent. That would really improve their mobility. I have elders back home and something like this would be a game-changer for them."
According to Yu Sun, professor of computer science and engineering and director of the CITA, the goal of the summer program is to identify talented students for long-term collaboration and explore promising, high-impact projects.
Pham testing the robotic dog
"The CREATE grant from USF's Office of the Provost allowed us to build this foundation," Sun said. "It's a strategic investment not just in faculty research, but in students, innovation and in USF's ability to lead in a critical field."
The hope is to build a pipeline of researchers and innovators equipped to improve the quality of life for millions of older adults and their families.
Pham, who plans to pursue a doctorate in machine learning, is particularly drawn to the efficiency of the technologies being developed. "I like the idea of building smart devices that are not just helpful but energy efficient, too."
The growing rate of Alzheimer's and dementia cases presents a challenge to the U.S. and global health care systems. In 2020, the U.S. Census Bureau revealed one in six people are ages 65 and over. Globally, the number of people affected by dementias is expected to nearly triple from 55 million to 153 million by 2050, according to Alzheimer's Disease International.
Sun in his robotics lab | Photo by: Torie Doll, University Communications and Marketing
"We use AI and robots to help with potential interventions, and we are creating assistive technology for caregivers because caring for people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias is really stressful," Sun said. "We are trying to mitigate their stress and make it easier."
The Tech for Aging Summer Hackathon is just one piece of the CITA's year-round efforts. The center also holds town halls and events during the academic year to foster interdisciplinary collaboration.
"This is how USF meets the moment," said USF Provost Prasant Mohapatra, who launched the CREATE award program in 2023 to elevate the university's research enterprise. "By investing in ambitious ideas and the people behind them, we are advancing solutions to some of society's greatest challenges."
