Chris Rhyss Edwards is a researcher and technology innovator whose career spans military service, journalism, and health-tech entrepreneurship. A former Australian Army Combat Engineer and peacekeeper with C-PTSD, he brings a unique real-world perspective to his current academic pursuits. He holds postgraduate qualifications in journalism and is currently undertaking a Science PhD at QUT Digital Wellbeing Lab, specialising in Human-Computer Interaction.

Chris’s research is grounded at the intersection of ethics, innovation, and emerging technology, with a specific focus on the social and psychological implications of AI. His current work explores how voice-based conversational agents can be designed to support emotional literacy and mental wellbeing, particularly for individuals in high-risk or underserved communities. 

He is developing a framework—Sentient Interaction Design—that examines how prosody, pacing, and trust can shape more emotionally intelligent AI systems. The aim of his research is to create evidence-based, AI-enabled mental health tools that act as supplemental, accessible self-support solutions—enhancing rather than replacing human care. 

His work contributes to broader discussions on the role of AI in healthcare, user agency, and the importance of emotionally safe design in the age of intelligent machines.