Feiran Zhang

Dr. Feiran Zhang is a Research Assistant Professor at the School of Design, Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU). She is an interdisciplinary scholar whose work bridges design, education, and technology, with a focus on child-computer interaction, design-based learning, and emotion-aware technologies. Previously, she held postdoctoral positions at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology and Eindhoven University of Technology, where she conducted research on learning technologies, child-robot interaction, and emotional experiences in educational contexts.

Education:

• PhD in Child-Computer Interaction (2016–2021), Eindhoven University of Technology
• MEng in Industrial Design (2013–2016), Beijing Jiaotong University
• BA in Art Design (2009–2013), Beijing Jiaotong University

Research Interests:

Dr. Zhang’s research centers on enhancing personal well-being and learning experiences through technology. She explores how emotions influence learning, especially in design-based learning and collaborative educational settings. Her work includes the development of emotion-aware tools and gamified learning environments, particularly for children and adolescents. She also investigates human-robot interaction in healthcare contexts, focusing on robotic support for pediatric pain management.

Her recent work leverages multimodal learning analytics to understand how students engage with AI-enhanced collaborative tools and gamified science education platforms. She has led and contributed to multiple design-based research projects that integrate educational psychology, interaction design, and learning technologies.

Scientific Awards & Recognitions:

• ERCIM Alain Bensoussan Fellowship (2022–2023)
• TU/e PhD Thesis Award Nomination (2022)
• TU/e Postdoc Best Paper Award (2022)
• GPT for Software Security Hackathon (2024)

Advising & Funding:

Dr. Zhang is actively recruiting PhD students and postdocs interested in design-based learning, emotion-aware technologies, and technology-enhanced education. Prospective students are encouraged to apply for PolyU postgraduate fellowships and RGC Postdoctoral Fellowship Scheme and reach out via email.

Professional Service & Editorial Roles:

• Associate Editor, Behaviour & Information Technology (2025–Present)
• Associate Editor, ROMAN Conference (2024–Present)
• Reviewer for CHI, IDC, HRI, IJCCI, and other top-tier venues
• Publicity Co-chair, ICWL (2024–Present)