Haiyi Zhu

Haiyi Zhu is the Daniel P. Siewiorek Associate Professor of Human-Computer Interaction and Director of HCI Undergraduate Programs at Carnegie Mellon University's School of Computer Science, where she leads the Social AI research group. Her work bridges human-computer interaction and responsible AI, with a focus on how AI technologies integrate into social groups, communities, and societies.

Dr. Zhu received her B.S. in Computer Science from Tsinghua University and her M.S. and Ph.D. in Human-Computer Interaction from Carnegie Mellon University. Her educational background laid the foundation for her interdisciplinary approach that combines technical expertise with deep understanding of human behavior and social contexts.

Her research focuses on human-AI interaction, social computing, and responsible AI, particularly examining how AI technologies can be integrated into various aspects of social processes, interactions, and decision-making while enhancing benefits and reducing potential harms. She has conducted significant projects in child welfare, mental health support, and workplace settings, with a particular emphasis on addressing the needs of vulnerable and marginalized populations. Her work demonstrates how AI can be designed to support rather than replace human expertise, especially in high-stakes domains where ethical considerations are paramount.

Her publication portfolio reveals a consistent trajectory toward understanding and improving human-AI partnerships across multiple domains. Early work focused on foundational aspects of algorithmic fairness and explainability, while more recent publications address increasingly complex applications in mental health, gig work, and public sector services. A notable trend is the growing emphasis on community-driven approaches to AI design and evaluation, reflecting a maturation of the field toward more participatory and inclusive practices.

• NSF CRII award recipient
• Allen Newell Award for Research Excellence
• Over ten paper awards at top venues including CHI, CSCW, and Human Factors
• Multiple Best Paper and Honorable Mention awards at CHI, CHIWORK, and SaTML
• Named to Pittsburgh's 40 Under 40 (2024)

As an advisor, Dr. Zhu mentors numerous PhD students working on diverse aspects of human-AI interaction, with several securing prestigious fellowships including NSF GRFP. Her research is supported by multiple programs at the National Science Foundation, the National Institute of Mental Health, and various industry sponsors. She has also taken on significant service roles in the community, serving as secretary/treasurer of HCIC and as program committee member for major conferences including CHI and CSCW. Her lab, the Social AI group, operates at the intersection of technology design and social impact, emphasizing both technical innovation and ethical considerations.