JooYoung Seo

JooYoung Seo is an Assistant Professor in the School of Information Sciences (iSchool) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He maintains multiple faculty affiliate positions with the Siebel School of Computing and Data Science, Illinois Informatics Institute, National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA), and Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology. Additionally, he is an RStudio double-certified data science instructor and an internationally certified accessibility professional through the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP).

Dr. Seo's educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Learning, Design, and Technology from Pennsylvania State University (2021)
• M.Ed. in Learning, Design, and Technology from Pennsylvania State University (2016)
• Double B.A. in Education and English Literature from Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, South Korea (2014)

As an emerging learning scientist and information scientist, Dr. Seo's research focuses on making computational literacy more accessible to people with disabilities through multimodal data representation. His work spans accessible computing, universal design, inclusive data science, and equitable healthcare technologies. He has developed open-source data science packages for accessibility and has worked on projects involving web accessibility, human-centered design, inclusive makerspaces, tangible block-based programming, and accessible data science tools. His research bridges learning sciences, information science, and human-computer interaction with a strong emphasis on creating inclusive technologies that serve diverse populations.

Analysis of Dr. Seo's recent publications reveals a consistent interdisciplinary focus on accessibility across multiple domains. His work spans human-computer interaction, data science, education, and healthcare technologies, with particular emphasis on creating accessible solutions for people with visual impairments. Key themes include multimodal data representation (sonification, tactualization, verbalization), accessible programming environments, inclusive educational tools, and healthcare technologies designed with universal principles. His research demonstrates a strong integration of learning sciences, computer science, and accessibility studies to develop practical solutions addressing real-world challenges faced by people with disabilities.

Dr. Seo has received numerous honors and awards:

• Early Career Award from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), 2023-2026
• Teach Access Faculty Award, 2023
• Teacher Ranked as Excellent at the University of Illinois (multiple semesters)
• 2021-2022 Emerging Scholar from the International Society of the Learning Sciences
• RStudio-Certified Shiny and Tidyverse Instructor
• Qualcomm Fellowship (2020)
• Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship from Penn State (2020)

Dr. Seo's research is supported by significant funding from national institutes, industrial partners, and academic societies including the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), National Science Foundation (NSF), National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), Posit Software (formerly RStudio), Teach Access, and the International Society of the Learning Sciences. He currently teaches independent study courses and mentors students through various research projects. His current research projects include developing an AudioTactile Data System for Blind or Low Vision individuals in STEM fields, the MAIDR project for Multimodal Access and Interactive Data Representation, and initiatives to promote Computational Thinking Skills for Blind and Visually Impaired Teens through Accessible Library Makerspaces.

Dr. Seo leads the XAbility Lab at the University of Illinois, which focuses on developing accessible computing solutions and conducting research at the intersection of human-computer interaction, learning sciences, and accessibility. The lab brings together interdisciplinary researchers from information sciences, computer science, and education to tackle complex challenges in making technology accessible to all users regardless of ability. Current projects in the lab focus on multimodal data representation, accessible data science tools, and inclusive educational technologies that serve diverse populations.