Contact us

PhD applicants

We're glad to hear from students interested in human-centered computing, HCI, social computing, health informatics, privacy, and platform governance. Advising availability changes from year to year, so we can't promise an opening in any given cycle.

1. Explore our research and recent publications to see where your interests fit.
2. Apply through Penn State's official doctoral admissions process and follow the program's current requirements.
3. If you'd like to reach out, tell us briefly about your research interests and how they connect to our work. Feel free to include a CV.

You don't need to meet with us before applying. Reaching out is welcome, but it doesn't by itself mean an advising or funding position is available.

Master's students

Master's students can get involved in lab projects as opportunities arise; these depend on the needs of our current projects. First check your Penn State program's requirements, then email Xinning Gui or Yubo Kou and include:

1. Which of our research areas or projects interests you, and why.
2. The research methods and topics you want to work on.
3. Whether you are looking for a funded position or a volunteer role, and how much time you can contribute.

Undergraduate research

Undergraduate research positions depend on our current projects, mentoring capacity, and funding, so openings are not guaranteed. If you are interested, email Xinning Gui or Yubo Kou and include:

1. Which of our research areas or projects interests you, and why.
2. Relevant experience, such as coursework, research, design, programming, or social science methods.
3. Whether you are looking for a funded research assistant position or a volunteer role.
4. How many hours per week you can contribute, and in which semesters.