Date: December 5, 2025
Speaker: Kaitlyn Zhou, Incoming Assistant Professor, Department of Information Science, Cornell Bowers
Title: New Era of Human-AI Interactions
Abstract: In this talk, I will present the novel dynamics of human interaction with large language models (human-LM interaction), focusing on how these systems shape human decision-making, trust, and reliance. As the world seeks to integrate the innovations of foundation models into everyday work and life, my mission is to design human-centered natural language interfaces to augment human intelligence and democratize access to AI. My work pioneers key advancements in natural language processing and human-computer interaction by: 1) uncovering core algorithmic risks in current human-LM interactions, 2) articulating the factors that complicate human-AI interactions, and 3) proposing new human-LM interactions to serve the needs of a broader population.
Bio: Kaitlyn Zhou is currently a research scientist at Together AI and incoming assistant professor of information science, beginning in 2026. Her research focuses on the dynamics of human interaction with language models (human-LM interaction), focusing on how generated language shapes human decision-making, reliance, and trust. Her contributions have been recognized at top-tier conferences in natural language processing and human computer interaction. She has received awards such as an NAACL Best Paper Runner-Up, an MIT EECS Rising Star, a Stanford graduate fellowship, and the College of Engineering Dean’s Medal. Her methods have been featured in high-profile news outlets like the New York Times and Wall Street Journal. She received her Ph.D. in computer science from Stanford University. Zhou has long advocated for increased access, inclusion, and equity in higher education and was appointed by the Washington State Governor to serve on the University of Washington Board of Regents.