I am a researcher in the areas of AI, robotics, and user experience. My expertise is in human-AI collaboration, with a focus on creating equitable and effective partnerships between people and intelligent systems. My work encompasses a range of AI technologies—including robots, conversational agents, and other embodied AI. My research integrates methods from machine learning, behavioral science, and design inquiry to develop AI agents that are capable of assimilating into human environments, gaining user acceptance, and being perceived as trustworthy and valuable.
A core focus of my research is aligning AI behavior with human values, such as optimizing both performance and fairness within human-agent teams. I investigate these dynamics in complex, multi-stakeholder domains including healthcare and aging. As part of the NSF-funded AI-CARING Institute, my recent work focused on developing adaptive AI systems that support older adults with mild cognitive impairment and their caregivers.
My research has been featured at top-tier conferences and influential platforms, including TEDx. Through my work, I aspire to advance AI technologies that uphold human values, minimize unintended harm, and enhance quality of life. I recently completed my postdoctoral research at Carnegie Mellon University in the Human-Computer Interaction Institute working with Prof. Jodi Forlizzi and Prof. John Zimmerman. I hold a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin advised by Prof. Andrea Thomaz and previously worked as an engineer at NASA’s Johnson Space Center.
Interested to know more or want to collaborate?
Ways to get in touch with me:
Email: mlchang@utexas.edu