About Me

I am an Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Stevens Institute of Technology. [News: I am actively looking for Ph.D. students to join me starting Fall 2026!]

Before this, I obtained my Ph.D. in Computer Science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, co-advised by Professors Karrie Karahalios and Hari Sundaram.

My research is motivated by the goal of empowering everyone to thrive in a rapidly changing future through education. My work contributes to human-computer interaction (HCI), human-centered AI (HAI), and education technology. Currently, I ask and answer questions regarding the interplay between education and algorithmic systems via a sociotechnical lens:

(1) “Algo -> Education”: Should emerging algorithmic systems be adopted in education, and how should they be used and deployed?
I audit algorithmic educational systems to identify and address interaction and deployment challenges that stakeholders face to promote effective and responsible use (e.g., managing algorithmic errors). I am passionate about establishing meaningful relationships between emerging algorithmic systems and stakeholders in education (e.g., self-regulated learning with generative chatbots).

(2) “Education -> Algo”: How can education and knowledge of human learning prepare people for a future where they co-exist with algorithmic systems?
I leverage theories and knowledge in human learning to support people’s critical use of algorithmic systems in various scenarios (e.g., information seeking, decision making). I am also interested in (re-)designing HCI and HAI educational programs to prepare diverse groups for an algorithmic future.

My research adopts an interdisciplinary approach. I conduct human subject experiments, build innovative interactive systems, and perform quantitative (e.g., Bayesian statistics, causal inference) and qualitative analysis.

If you are a student interested in exploring these questions, here are some ways to work with me:
— I am looking for Ph.D. students starting in Fall 2026!
— I like working with self-driven and curious undergraduate and master’s students with a strong interest in research!

Please fill out this survey (click here) so that I can learn more about you.

If you are a researcher or industry partner looking to collaborate, I am always excited to explore new ideas from all disciplines! Please email me at wli69 [at] stevens [dot] edu.