Speaker: Dr. Yun Huang

Title: Human-AI Synergy: From Research Prototypes to Real-World Impact

Abstract: The rapid advancements in AI, exemplified by the capabilities of large language models like GPT-4o, have brought disruptive influence across industries. I will share insights from our studies on human trust and self-disclosure to AI, and how these findings are applied to improve user experience in fields such as public safety and education for learners with diverse abilities. I will also discuss the evolution of my research focus in tandem with technological progress, highlighting a nine-year project timeline that reflects the shifting priorities from data-driven approaches to creating human-centered AI designed to address societal challenges. Furthermore, I will illustrate how our work makes theoretical contributions while solving practical problems. Join me as we explore the transformative potential of AI and ponder the question: What might we co-create with AI?

Bio: Dr. Yun Huang is an Associate Professor at the School of Information Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She is dedicated to innovating AI-based solutions that cultivate a synergistic relationship between humans and machines, enhancing educational opportunities to all, and increasing access to community services. She is deeply committed to translating research into real-world benefit and making a positive societal impact. Her work has garnered support from respected government agencies such as the National Science Foundation, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) and leading industry names, including OpenAI, Google, IBM Research, and HeyGen. She earned her Ph.D. in information and computer science from the University of California, Irvine. She received her bachelor’s degree from the Department of Computer Science and Technology at Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.