Chris Jackson - PhD Researcher

Christopher Jackson

He/Him

What expertise will you bring to AI? 

I completed my BA in History at Northumbria University, which included an exchange year in Atlanta, Georgia. Following graduation, I have spent 12 years working in Higher Education at Northumbria University in various roles, most recently in the administration of doctoral degrees. This experience has given me valuable insight into the academic environment and the challenges faced by doctoral researchers. It will be very interesting to experience it now from the other side.  

I have also lived with chronic fatigue syndrome for over five years, which has deepened my understanding of the challenges faced by those managing chronic conditions. This personal experience enables me to relate meaningfully with my research participants and brings an empathetic perspective to my work.

Research Interests 

My research explores how AI can be used to support people living with long-term conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome. I am particularly interested in how AI applications can enable better outcomes for university students managing these conditions. Central to my approach is the use of participatory and co-design research methods, which give people living with chronic fatigue syndrome an active role in shaping the research. I believe that those with lived experience should be partners in developing solutions that will ultimately serve them. 

What made you want to apply for CCAI?

The CDT offers an opportunity for people without a Computer Science background to become researchers in the AI space. I was interested in this area of research but had assumed it would be inaccessible without formal training in computing or AI. Seeing this pathway in my previous role I knew it was something I should apply for.  I was also drawn to the cohort-based approach of the CDT. The prospect of being part of a community of researchers who can support, challenge, and motivate each other throughout the doctoral journey appealed to me.

What are your ambitions for AI? How do you plan to change the world?

As a new researcher I know I won’t change the world, but I am aiming to make a meaningful contribution that will have a real positive and tangible impact for people living with CFS/ME. An impact that isn’t done to those people but created with them.