Hwajung Hong

Hwajung Hong is an Associate Professor in the Department of Industrial Design at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST). Her research focuses on Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Health Informatics, Digital Health, and Inclusive Design, with particular expertise in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for individuals with autism and mental health challenges. Her work centers on developing human-centered AI technologies to support the daily lives and communication abilities of neurodiverse individuals. Her team developed the AACessTalk application, which leverages AI to facilitate deeper communication between nonverbal children with autism and their families. This innovative tool has gained significant recognition in the international academic community and won the ACM CHI 2025 Best Paper Award. Hwajung Hong holds Master’s and Ph.D. degrees from Georgia Institute of Technology and has served in prominent academic roles at leading institutions, dedicated to leveraging technological innovation to benefit underrepresented groups.

• 2021–Present·Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST)·Associate Professor
  • Leading research in Human-Computer Interaction and AI collaboration, with a focus on Health Informatics and Inclusive Design.
• 2018–2021·Seoul National University·Special Assistant Professor
  • Conducted research on human-centered AI and systems to support neurodiverse individuals.
• 2015–2018·Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST)·Assistant Professor
  • Focused on research in Human-Computer Interaction and health information systems.

• 2010–2015·Georgia Institute of Technology·Ph.D.
  • Research Focus: Human-Computer Interaction and Health Informatics
• 2008–2010·Georgia Institute of Technology·Master’s
  • Research Focus: Industrial Design and Human-Computer Interaction
• 2004–2008·Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST)·Bachelor’s
  • Major: Industrial Design