Hi there! I’m a fourth-year PhD candidate in Information Studies at the University of Maryland’s College of Information (INFO). My research focuses on human-computer interaction (HCI) and computer-supported cooperative work (CSCW) in contexts involving linguistically diverse populations. I study how immigrants or international migrants who are non-native speakers of the host country's dominant language acquire linguistic resources and sustain their agency in everyday communication. I also explore how AI-based language technologies such as machine translation and conversational agents can be leveraged to offer language-related support. I apply social science theories from fields such as communication, applied linguistics, and psychology to guide my research. I use an array of research methods including behavioral experiment, interview, survey, co-design, and experience sampling method.

I have crafted my studies to integrate my interests in language and information technology. Prior to Maryland, I obtained my MS in Applied Data Science and MA in Linguistic Studies with a graduate certificate in Language Teaching from Syracuse University. I completed my undergraduate studies at Shanghai International Studies University (SISU, 上海外国语大学) with a Bachelor of Management in Information Management and System, BA in English, and a minor in Finance. I also spent a wonderful semester as an international visiting student in management information systems at the University of North Carolina Wilmington during college.

I enjoy many things in my life. I'm from Ganzhou, China (赣州) and have lived in Shanghai, China and Syracuse, NY before moving to Maryland. I can be reached at yxiao[at]umd[dot]edu.