Jen Liu

Jen Liu is a researcher and designer specializing in human-computer interaction (HCI) and design. Her research explores the complex relationships between humans, technology, and the environment, focusing particularly on how design can promote the coexistence and flourishing of multispecies. During her time at the ATLAS Institute at the University of Colorado Boulder, she became known for her design philosophy of "symbiotic coexistence," studying human-fungi interaction by designing wearable technology for mushroom foraging. Her work incorporates posthuman-centered thoughts, aiming to provide new design perspectives and methodologies to address environmental crises.

• Approx. 2016-2019·University of Colorado Boulder, ATLAS Institute·Graduate Researcher/Research Fellow
  • As a graduate researcher, she led design research on "symbiotic coexistence," exploring the new roles of human-computer interaction in the context of environmental crises. She designed three wearable devices for mushroom foraging to foster human attention to and connection with non-human species. Her related research received a Best Paper Award at CHI 2018.

• Approx. 2016-2017·Carnegie Mellon University·Master’s
  • While pursuing her master's degree at Carnegie Mellon University, she began exploring how technology could be integrated into personal activities, laying the foundation for her later research on human-fungi relationships.
• Approx. 2016-2019·University of Colorado Boulder·PhD
  • At the ATLAS Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, she pursued a PhD with a research focus on human-computer interaction, sustainable design, and posthuman-centered design.