Katy Ilonka Gero

Katy Ilonka Gero is a computer science researcher specializing in human-computer interaction and creative writing tools. She is currently a Lecturer in the School of Computer Science at the University of Sydney. Her research focuses on the impact of language models on the writing process, data ethics, and the development of community-based language models, aiming to enhance key aspects of writing such as iteration, exploration, and learning through technology. During her PhD at Columbia University, Katy studied how creative writers use language models and developed numerous innovative tools. She is also a poet and essayist, a recipient of the Brooklyn Poets Fellowship, and has published several works integrating human creativity with computational technology. Previously, she majored in mechanical engineering at MIT, where she conducted research in fields like soft robotics.

• 2023–Present·University of Sydney·Lecturer
  • Specializing in research and teaching on creative writing tools and language models.
• 2022–2023·Harvard University·Postdoctoral Researcher
  • Conducted research in human-computer interaction and community language models under the guidance of Elena Glassman.
• 2020–2021·CultureHub·Writer-in-Residence
  • Explored the application of feedback mechanisms in engineering and creative practices.
• Prior | Rest Devices and Soofa | Engineer
  • Worked on the development of smart baby monitoring devices and smart city furniture.

• 2017–2022·Columbia University·PhD
  • Research focus: Human-computer collaborative writing tools, supervised by Lydia Chilton.
• 2009–2013·Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)·Bachelor of Science
  • Major: Mechanical Engineering. Awarded the Carl G. Sontheimer Innovation and Creativity Prize for research in soft robotics.