Architecture · Human–Computer Interaction
Hi! I’m Qing.
I’m a third-year Master of Architecture student at the University of Pennsylvania. I am a research assistant at Penn HCI, working with Professor Danaé Metaxa on Human–Computer Interaction (HCI).
The path so far
Across disciplines
My academic journey has taken me from Finance and Computer Science to Architecture, and now to HCI. I received my bachelor’s degrees in Finance and Data Science & Big Data Technology from Renmin University of China, where I conducted research on machine learning, explainable algorithms, and information retrieval. My architectural education has since brought me closer to questions about human experiences, perception, and creativity.
Computer Science
Questions I keep coming back to
People, AI & creativity
My research interests lie at the intersection of Human–AI Interaction, Creativity Support, and Human-Centered Computing. I’m particularly interested in understanding how AI shapes the ways people think, create, and make decisions, and how we can design AI systems that augment rather than replace human judgment and creativity.
I’m currently exploring two interconnected directions:
AI for Human Creativity and Decision-Making. I study how people interact with AI in complex, open-ended tasks, including architectural design and qualitative research, with a focus on creative agency, reasoning, and appropriate reliance.
Computational Models of Human Experience. I explore how generative agents can model human perception, cognition, and spatial experiences, and how these simulations might help us better understand diverse human perspectives and provide insights for future tool development.
Beyond research, I’m interested in the connections between technology, design, and the humanities. I enjoy exploring how different disciplines understand people and how these perspectives can inspire new ways of thinking about AI. As a curious person, I also want to learn more about social computing, psychology, and philosophy, which are important for me to understand the broader implications of AI.
Off the clock
Life has a
different rhythm.
Outside of research, I enjoy musicals, pilates, hiking, traveling and K-pop.
I like traveling to new places and trying different local foods (a real foodie)! I think food is the most important culture. My goal is traveling to as many countries as possible. I have been to Korea, Indonesia, Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Colombia. I saw a red but beutiful mushroom while I was hiking in Colombia🍄!
I like music in general, Jazz, Hip-hop, Pop, Country, etc. I am an Army (fan of BTS), and also a big fan of musicals! Les Misérables, Hadestown, Notre-Dame de Paris are my favorites!
- Stories on stage
Musical
- Movement & balance
Pilates
- Time outdoors
Hiking
- Music & performance
K-pop