Hi there :)
I am a second-year Ph.D. student in Computer Science at UChicago, luckily advised by Dr. Marshini Chetty. I got my Master's degree in Industrial Design at Georgia Tech. During my PhD and Master's study, I have been fortunate to work with numerous outstanding researchers (Reference list to be updated).
I am a socio-technical researcher with an interdisciplinary background in design, engineering, and computing. My research interest lies in the intersection of Human-computer Interaction (HCI), Computer-Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW), and Tech Policy. My research is driven by the goal of designing, developing, deploying, and governing innovative technical systems to ensure their safety and trustworthiness for individuals and society. Under this scope, I use mixed-methods and design approaches to address a broad range of problems through empirical studies and design probes.
I am an advocator of slow science.
Some interesting (or boring) facts:
1) I am a super fan of the Pokemon series (the icon of my personal website is a Minccino, the Pokemon I like the best).
2) I enjoy creating fan art illustrations in my spare time, however, I have been too busy to do that recently.
3) I like using my nickname "Kulu" or "Pigeon" on social media, but I prefer to be called by my official name at the workplace.
4) My name is written as 高澜 in Chinese.
My current research focus on:
Governing Technology Lifecycle on the Safety and Trustworthiness of Socio-Technical Systems
I study the potential threats an innovative technology could bring to human and society, and current practices of how stakeholders and policymakers address such risks. By looking into socio-technical system performance, end-user experience, stakeholder engagement, and policy enforcement, I unpack gaps in the technology lifecycle regarding the safety and trustworthiness of socio-technical systems.
I am also interested in designing frameworks, guidelines, and principles for technology governance, particularly in addressing the individual and societal risks associated with emerging technologies.
Recently, my ongoing works have targeted the governance of Generative AI and its content production.
Selected Projects:
How AI Practitioners Work on Privacy (USENIX' 24🏆)
Content Moderation in Generative AI Product (In Submission)
I also do research in:
Technology Impacts on Interpersonal Dynamics
I investigate nuances of how technology could influence social dynamics. I am especially interested in this problem in high-stake socio-technical settings such as client-therapist in mental healthcare, and worker-manager in the workplace. Through both speculative and grounded approaches, I investigate the values and risks that innovative technology could bring to the social relationship.
Selected Projects:
Sensing and Sharing Non-Verbal Cues in Remote Psychotherapy (CSCW' 25)
Passive-Sensing-Enabled AI in Workplace (CHI' 23, CHI' 24🏆)
Critical Technology Literacy
I design, build, and evaluate tools that promote people’s awareness and practice of critical aspects of technology, such as privacy, security, and safety protection.
Selected Projects:
Privacy and Security Micro-Lessons For Elementary Schools (CSCW' 25)
Opportunities of Engaging Privacy Education in Informal Learning Space (PoPETs' 24)
Design for Inclusiveness and Wellbeing
I investigate dark and deceptive design patterns for users on digital platforms and technical systems. Additionally, I redesign user interfaces and build tools to form inclusive and safe socio-technical systems.
Selected Projects:
Toggling Attention-Capturing Damaging Pattern on Social Media (TOCHI, 2025)
Impact of Auto-Play on Video Watching Behavior (CSCW' 25)