Coastal landscape
Photo of YY Teng

learning · questioning · synthesizing · designing

I am a Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) researcher and an architect. Currently, I am a PhD student at the Northwestern University Technology and Social Behavior program (joint degree in Computer Science and Communication), advised by Dr. Darren Gergle.

Short Bio

From 2021 to 2024, I was doing research with Columbia University HCI labs and Snap HCI research group. I graduated from Columbia University with M.S. in Computer Science and thesis in HCI. From 2019 to 2021, I curated my own interdisciplinary exploration across social sciences, computer science, design, and research at Columbia University. From 2013 to 2018, I worked as an Architect at Meier Partners in New York. I am a licensed Architect in New York State and hold a Bachelor of Architecture from Pratt Institute. In between things, I explore entrepreneurship by building two startups. In my free time, I enjoy nature, art, and random ideas.

Research Interests  Last updated: March 2026

My research asks what assistive technologies could become if designed around people's unique cognitive processes rather than around the tasks they are expected to complete.

Recent Updates
2026/03
Opinion paper "Access Is Not Enough: Toward Developmental Flourishing" is accepted to CHI2026 EA. Join me for a conversation at CHI2026 Barcelona, Thursday, April 16, 2:15pm – 6:00pm
2025/05
Showcased Curiosity Portal at STEMM Day in Evanston, IL.
2025/04
Attended CHI2025 workshops and shared this position paper at W22: Generative AI and Accessibility and W10: Human-AI Interaction for Augmented Reasoning.
2025/03
Served as an associate chair for CHI2025 LBW track.
Contact & Links
yyteng@u.northwestern.edu