05/14/2026
A recent Ph.D. graduate in the School of Information, Angie Zhang is committed to ensuring the technologies shaping our world are designed with people at the center.
Zhang’s research focuses on human-computer interaction and human-AI interaction, with an emphasis on fair and participatory AI design. Her work challenges the “move fast and break things” mindset by centering the lived experiences of those most impacted by technology.
“Technology can have unintended consequences when it’s built without fully understanding the people it affects,” Zhang said.
Before pursuing her Ph.D., Zhang worked in technology consulting, where she began observing and learning how systems could lead to inequitable outcomes. That experience motivated her to shift toward a career where she could engage in research and teaching focused on ethical, human-centered design.
At UT, Zhang worked closely with her advisor, Dr. Min Kyung Lee, and found a strong, interdisciplinary community that supported her growth. As she navigated the job search process in her final year, she also gained confidence through mock interviews with the Office of Career and Life Design, where she received clear, actionable feedback.
“I walked away with a game plan and a stronger sense of what I could control,” Zhang said.
Zhang has accepted a position as a lecturer (i.e., assistant professor) at the University of Sydney School of Computer Science, where she will continue advancing more ethical and human-centered technology.
