Xiaoyun is currently exploring how people present themselves across their social media ecosystems and what factors could influence their self-presentation.
Xiaoyun began her doctoral pursuits at the University of Maryland in 2017 after exploring opportunities in human-computer interaction while obtaining her Bachelor’s in Information Management and Information Systems from Renmin University of China. She is currently pursuing her PhD full-time with broad research interests in examining how people use social media and engage in online communities. In collaboration with her academic advisor, Yla Tausczik, Xiaoyun has contributed to an NSF-funded project focused on information sharing and problem solving in online discussion groups. She is currently exploring how people present themselves across their social media ecosystems and what factors could influence their self-presentation. Xiaoyun has marveled at the ability to develop meaningful connections with and receive constructive feedback from the iSchool’s diverse community while exploring her research interests. Xiaoyun, when not working, enjoys playing with her two cats and expressing her creative side through journal writing.