Join Us!
We are looking for passionate students to tackle real-world human-centered challenges.
We are looking for passionate students to tackle real-world human-centered challenges.
Xin's research contributes to the larger understanding of how people with physical and psychological disabilities experience and interact with technology. Her work largely centers on understanding, designing, developing, and evaluating interactive systems, such as games and VR environments.
She leads the AI & Art for Knowledge & Creativity (ARK) Lab at HKUST(GZ), Computational Media and Arts Thrust. View full profile →
Our lab sits at the intersection of human-computer interaction, artificial intelligence, and creative media. Below are our key research themes:
Designing interactive systems for people with autism, dementia, and other special needs — including serious games, tangible interfaces, and AI-powered educational tools (e.g., LingoLift, ATTENPlay, StarRescue).
Building immersive experiences for education, empathy, and cultural preservation — such as VR-based history learning, AI-generated mural restoration, and embodied heritage interactions.
Exploring how humans and AI co-create — from robot-assisted painting collaboration, to task-oriented interface co-generation (DuetUI), to generative AI in avatar design and competitive programming.
MPhil+PhD offer many advantages over direct PhD. Our Red Bird MPhil program trains interdisciplinary research and teamwork abilities that are essential for addressing complex multi-disciplinary challenges humans are facing in today's world.
With two years of MPhil training, you will gain a much clearer vision of whether and how you want to pursue a PhD. Consequently, you will be much better prepared to get your PhD done in as short as two years (though shorter does not necessarily mean better — many Chinese students are too obsessed with completing degrees faster).
MPhil+PhD provides you with sufficient time to think through how you may turn your innovative MPhil/PhD research into real-world impactful prototypes. Thus, whether you want to pursue a PhD or not, I strongly encourage you to apply to get into our Red Bird MPhil program first.
Many of my MPhil students continue to do PhD with me or in other top-tier places. A few of my MPhil graduates even started their own startups. Follow the instructions via this link to apply for MPhil.
Opportunity to publish at CHI, ASSETS, CHIPLAY, CSCW, and other premier ACM venues as a first author. Our lab has received a Best Paper Award at CHI 2024.
Regular one-on-one meetings, structured mentorship, and a collaborative, respectful research environment. Senior students gain freedom to explore independent research.
Work alongside researchers from computer science, design, health, and the arts. Collaborate with external partners at top-tier universities worldwide.
The CMA lab spans 2,000 m² with GPU servers, VR/AR headsets, eye trackers, robotic arms, 3D printers, motion capture systems, and a modern campus environment.
Since the Red Bird Master's Program does not distinguish between majors when applying, applicants do not need to contact the advisor in advance. Please submit your application through the university's official website as early as possible.
If you have been admitted and are interested in joining ARK Lab, please send your resume and research statement to xint@hkust-gz.edu.cn. The email subject should be: PROSPECTIVE MPhil Student.
Please email xint@hkust-gz.edu.cn with the subject line PROSPECTIVE PhD Student. Your email must include the following:
A description of your research interests as they relate to the lab's existing research. Show evidence that you have looked at our Projects.
A curriculum vitae (CV)
A copy of your unofficial transcript
An image or short video showcasing your potential contributions — not a full portfolio, but something that shows your creativity, personality, and initiative.
If you don't include one or more of these, your email may not receive a reply.
Interested applicants should email xint@hkust-gz.edu.cn to discuss their application before applying. The email subject should be PROSPECTIVE Research Assistants and must include the following 4 items:
A description of your research interests as they relate to the lab's existing research. Show clear evidence that you have looked at the types of research we conduct — the best place to start is our Projects page.
A curriculum vitae (CV)
A copy of your unofficial transcript
An image or short video showcasing your potential contributions — this can range from a photo of your design, media, computational or clinical work to a short video. We are NOT looking for a portfolio per se — a link to that can be included later. We are looking primarily to gain a sense of your creativity, personality and/or "get it done" initiative.
If you don't include one or more of these, your email may not receive a reply.
If you are a registered graduate or senior year undergraduate student in another university and would like to study for a short period (e.g., 3 months) with our group, you are welcome to apply to our visiting student program: link. You may also send an email with your CV and transcripts to xint@hkust-gz.edu.cn.
Make sure your home university and/or your academic supervisor allows you to visit for the period you apply for.
We are looking for programmers, designers, UX researchers, 3D animators, and videographers. Ideal candidates will have:
