Directory

Xinyu Yang is an Information Science PhD student at Cornell University. Her research interest lies in Science of Science, Computational Social Science and AI for the common good. She is also broadly interested in exploring applied cutting-edge machine learning and data science methods. Currently, she focuses on conducting large-scale data analyses using advanced computational and machine-learning techniques. Prior to joining Cornell, Xinyu got her bachelor's degree in Computer Science and Technology from Zhejiang University, China.

Olzhas Yessenbayev is a Ph.D. student in Information Science at Cornell University. His research passion lies at the intersection of cognitive sciences and HCI, with an emphasis on leveraging cognitive and biological affordances to elevate health technology design. In terms of sensing, he is dedicated to understanding the capacity of passively sensed markers to accurately model and predict our cognitive states. In terms of behavior change, he explores ways to modulate these cognitive states by engaging with semi-voluntary physiological mechanisms seamlessly, through creation of subtle interfaces. For instance, he has incorporated feedback into video-watching experiences to subtly guide eating rates, and used peripheral vision as an avenue of sensory input processed almost automatically by another such interface. These methods aim to craft interventions that seamlessly integrate with users' natural behaviors, fostering effective yet unobtrusive behavior modifications. He is currently under the guidance of Professor Rajalkshmi Nandakumar at Cornell.

Areas of Interest: HCI, Mobile Sensing, Health, Cognitive Sciences, Affective Computing
 

Marina is a Ph.D. student in Information Science with a minor in American Indian and Indigenous Studies at Cornell University. She is currently advised by Chris Csíkszentmihályi and a part of the Redistributive Computing Systems group. Presently, her research interests focus on technological interventions for socio-environmental justice and critical data/information studies across Haudenosaunee Territory. Prior to Cornell, she received her undergraduate degree in Data Science at the University of Houston-Downtown and conducted research at Berkeley National Lab and the Santa Fe Institute. Personal website.