Hello and Welcome
I'm Xiao (/shiau/), a Ph.D. candidate in the Library and Information Science Department at Rutgers University's School of Communication and Information, where I am advised by Dr. Kaitlin Costello. My research focuses on fostering a sustainable and resilient future through the lens of information and information technologies. Specifically, I use qualitative research methods to explore how people interact with information and technologies to better serve diverse populations, meet their needs, and solve their problems.

In academia, I also educate young information professionals by teaching Human Information Behavior and served as a teaching assistant (recipient of the TA Excellence Award 🏆) in the Master of Information program at Rutgers University. Currently, I serve as a program coordinator for the Teaching Assistant Project and a member of the Dining Services and Food Vendors Climate Action Group at Rutgers. In industry, I have worked as a UX researcher and designer at Colgate-Palmolive in the U.S. and Sogou in China, where I contributed to designing innovative solutions to enhance user experiences.

Outside of my academic and professional life, I cherish moments spent with family and friends. I love exploring local farmers' markets and thrift stores, hiking, traveling, and enjoying cooking with my partner. In quieter times, I find peace and joy in learning to play piano keyboard.