Dr. Armel Ayimdji Tekemetieu
The world of artificial intelligence (AI) is growing as more people, companies and organizations explore the ways in which this revolutionary technology can make a positive impact in daily life. Dr. Armel Ayimdji Tekemetieu became well acquainted with the benefits of AI technology, particularly in the lives of older adults, during his postdoctoral studies in Conversational AI and Human Computer Interaction at McGill University. His research looked at the development of a conversational assistant to support older adults living in long-term care homes.
Dr. Ayimdji says that integrating this type of AI technology, known as chatbots, into existing care practices can help reduce response times, supporting both residents and caregivers. Given staffing challenges in long-term care homes and hospitals in general, “a chatbot can help start the initial conversation” when a need arises, says Dr. Ayimdji.
Throughout his academic and professional career, one thing that has remained key in his work is the focus on how AI technology can support people and enhance their quality of life. After earning his Master of Computer Science degree from the Université de Yaoundé 1 in Cameroon, Dr. Ayimdji came to Canada to work toward a PhD in Artificial Intelligence & Internet of Things at the Université de Sherbrooke. Dr. Ayimdji says that his desire to help people and his experience watching his own father struggle with cognitive impairment is what inspired his research.
“My father was a teacher. I learned a lot from him, but a couple of years after his retirement, he started forgetting a lot of things,” says Dr. Ayimdji. “That’s why, when I had the opportunity to do my PhD, I chose to come to Canada to work at the DOMUS lab at the Université de Sherbrooke where tech is being developed to help people with cognitive impairment and dementia.”
Another focus of his research was using AI to reduce loneliness and social isolation for older adults. As a Highly Qualified Personnel (HQP) involved in the AGE-WELL-funded research project, iNnovative Easy Assistance Reassuring System (NEARS) at the Université de Sherbrooke, Dr. Ayimdji had the opportunity to explore AI-based smart homes that enable older adults to stay connected to loved ones.
“AGE-WELL has played a big part in what I’m doing currently and the opportunities I have had.”– Dr. Armel Ayimdji Tekemetieu
Dr. Ayimdji’s current work as a conversational AI architect with Quantiphi Analytics Canada has given him the opportunity to explore other ways in which AI can support people and companies through customer service solutions. He is currently working on assignment with one of the company’s largest clients, Google, building chatbots and other conversational AI software.
“It reduces the burden on human workers because the AI is taking on part of the job,” says Dr. Ayimdji. “I’m working on cutting-edge technology, and I’m happy to work on something I’m passionate about.”
As a graduate of AGE-WELL’s EPIC training program, Dr. Ayimdji was able to develop his skills and build industry connections. In 2019, he was awarded 2nd prize in the Science Slam at AGE-WELL’s 5th Annual Conference in Moncton, New Brunswick, and he participated in the AGE-WELL Summer Institute in Montebello, Quebec. He was also the Quebec representative on the AGE-WELL HQP Advisory Committee from 2019 to 2020.
Dr. Ayimdji says his training through the EPIC program played a significant role in opening doors in the industry and preparing him for the work he’s doing today.
“AGE-WELL has played a big part in what I’m doing currently and the opportunities I have had,” says Dr. Ayimdji. “An advantage to being in the EPIC program was all the different training I received. It helped build my self-confidence.”