Guo Freeman

Guo Freeman is an Associate Professor and Chair in the Division of Human-Centered Computing at the School of Computing, Clemson University, and the Director of the Clemson University Gaming and Media Experience Laboratory (CUGAME). Her research focuses on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Computer-Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW), Social Virtual Reality (Social VR), and multiplayer online gaming. She investigates how interactive technologies (such as esports, live streaming, AI, and virtual reality) shape interpersonal relationships and group dynamics, aiming to design more supportive and satisfying user experiences through theoretical insights, empirical analysis, and participatory technology design. She has published over 130 peer-reviewed papers and won 15 Best Paper Awards or Honorable Mention Awards. Her work is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), the U.S. Army, and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research.

• 2023–Present·Clemson University·Associate Professor and Chair
  • Leads the Human-Centered Computing division within the School of Computing for both teaching and research.
  • Directs the Clemson University Gaming and Media Experience Laboratory (CUGAME), exploring intersections of technology and social interaction.
• 2018–2023·Clemson University·Assistant Professor
  • Taught courses and directed research projects in the Human-Centered Computing field.
• 2015–2018·University of Cincinnati·Assistant Professor
  • Supervised game development and simulation tracks for both master's and undergraduate programs in Information Technology.

• 2011–2015·Indiana University-Bloomington·Ph.D.
  • Studied Information Science with a focus on Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI).

1. Investigates how interactive technologies such as multiplayer online games, esports, live streaming, artificial intelligence, and social virtual reality transform ways people interact.
2. Explores the possibilities of IT innovation and participatory technology development to foster collaboration among independent developers and creators.
3. Designs novel social virtual reality technologies to enhance online social experiences.

• 2023 Clemson University College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences (CECAS) Early Career Researcher of the Year Award
• Multiple Best Paper Awards or Honorable Mention Awards at ACM CHI, CSCW, and CHI PLAY conferences
• 2023 Best Journal Article Award in Cognitive Engineering and Decision Making
• 2021 Clemson University Outstanding Graduate Mentor Award
• 2016 Grace Hopper Women in Computing Scholarship recipient

• CUGAME Laboratory: Focuses on research exploring how technology supports interpersonal dynamics in areas such as entertainment, education, and workplaces.
  • Laboratory Website: https://computing.clemson.edu/cugame/