Student Spotlight: Yuexing Hao

Yuexing Hao
February 3, 2025

Yuexing Hao is a doctoral student in design and environmental analysis with a focus on human-centered design from Guangzhou, China. She earned her B.A. in computer science from Rutgers University and M.S. in computer science from Tufts University and now studies health care intelligence, human-computer interaction, and AI under the guidance of Saleh Kalantari at Cornell.

What is your area of research and why is it important?

My research focuses on health care intelligence, human-computer interaction, and AI—topics that have become even more important in the post-COVID world as more patients actively seek to understand their own health. This past summer, I interned at the Mayo Clinic’s radiation oncology department, where I explored how large language models like GPT-4o can support prostate cancer patients by helping them better educate themselves and understand their health concerns and information. It’s exciting to see how AI can make health care more accessible and patient-centered.

What are the larger implications of this research?

My research has a direct impact on health care, particularly in clinical settings such as the Mayo Clinic and Cayuga Health Center, as well as in community public health initiatives like the Cornell Cancer Community Partnership and the Cancer Resource Center of the Finger Lakes (CRCFL). In the summer of 2025, I will intern with the Google Health AI team, focusing on designing and developing tools to support diverse health information-seeking behaviors. My research aims to address the needs of both vulnerable populations, such as patients with rare conditions, and broader, more generalizable audiences.

What have you gained by participating in the NextGen Professors Program?

I am so excited to be a part of the NextGen Professors Program, where I have had the opportunity to connect with like-minded peers who share a passion for teaching, mentoring, and delivering personalized, high-quality education to students. Our cohort is small but close-knit, bringing together individuals from diverse fields and departments who, for the most part, had not met prior to this program. Together, we are building a supportive community of soon-to-be professors, exploring strategies to care for and empower students in their learning and growth. Through the NextGen Professors Program, I have gained valuable insights not only into effective teaching and mentoring practices but also into fostering an engaging and inclusive learning environment. It has been an incredibly enriching experience, both personally and professionally.

How has this program been helpful in working toward your professional goals?

I feel incredibly fortunate to have had inspiring professors and mentors who guided and supported me throughout my journey, fostering an inclusive and engaging environment that shaped my career and research interests. Their mentorship has motivated me to give back by becoming a supportive and impactful educator. The NextGen Professors Program has been invaluable in this process, equipping me with effective teaching strategies, mentorship skills, and insights into creating engaging learning environments. This experience has been instrumental in preparing me to contribute meaningfully to the academic community.

What are your hobbies or interests outside of your research or scholarship?

Beyond my research, I am deeply interested in science communication. I believe it is essential to translate my work in a way that engages a general audience, helping them understand our research and raising awareness about its importance. Interacting with the public has been particularly rewarding, as their feedback and perspectives often reveal how my research can impact their health care journey. Many have expressed interest in contributing to the study as participants or by sharing their unique perspectives. To enhance my skills in this area, I have taken courses through the Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning (CIRTL) and participated in the Cornell Graduate School’s Three Minute Thesis competition, which honed my skills to effectively communicate complex research to diverse audiences.

Why did you choose Cornell to pursue your degree?

Cornell offers so many amazing opportunities for graduate students to grow, both in research and in building essential soft skills. Ithaca, being a small and friendly town, makes it easy to form close connections with others, creating the perfect environment to explore your interests and find a supportive academic community. Cornell is especially great for interdisciplinary research—it’s the kind of place where collaboration across fields thrives. In my work, I’ve been lucky to collaborate with people from computer and information science, psychology, communication, veterinary health, and design. The hardworking and brilliant people here make Cornell a vibrant, welcoming academic home where interdisciplinary research really comes to life.