Ph.D. Student
EDUCATION
Ph.D. in Human–Computer Interaction (2021.08- 2026.11 Expected)
Major Professor: Dr. Michael Dorneich
M.A. in Experiential Graphic Design (2024.08-2026.11 Expected)
Major Professor: Prof. Tina Rice
M.S. in Industrial Design (2017.09-2020.06)
Major Professor: Dr. Wei Xiong
B.E. in Food Quality and Safety (2018.08–2018.11)
Exchange Studies
Pittsburg State University (Graphic Design, 2015.08–2015.11)
Konkuk University, Seoul, South Korea (Food Science, Aug–Nov 2015)
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Human–Computer Interaction (HCI); Human Factors; Inclusive and community-centered design;
User experience and interface design.
User experience and interface design.
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Graduate Research Assistant
NSF-funded project: CommHEAT – A Community-Based Indoor Heat Alert System
- Led UX and UI design for a data-driven mobile heat alert app supporting vulnerable residents.
- Conducted user research using surveys, interviews, and usability testing.
- Applied inclusive design principles to ensure accessibility.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams (engineering, architecture, and psychology).
WORK EXPERIENCE
Recruitment Graphic Designer
- Assisted staff graphic designer with the creation of social media assets (static and video), including social feed images and Instagram stories.
- Designed magazines, information board and other marketing assets.
- Photograph and photo retouching.
- Followed and maintained brand identity characteristics, typography, photography, color etc.
Graphic Designer Intern
- Concepted, developed and executed a wide variety of assets for digital applications, website needs, marketing and PR initiatives, digital ads, mobile, and social media channels, on-site events, campaigns.
- Adhered to brand guidelines and complete projects according to the deadline.
- Retouched and manipulated images.
UX/UI Designer
- Designed the UI for Coocaa overseas TV system (Weather app, Screensaver app, update the main interface, etc).
- Created the UI for the APP called GongXiangPing (Cheese Video Applet, Cloud Drive Applet, Mall applet/Modules, etc.).
- Designed logos for Coocaa overseas TV system.
- Wrote user experience reports and competitor analysis reports.
- Communicated with design companies to collaborate projects and control design quality.
UX Designer
- Devised the game (Chnryouji firm) UX design (included the achievement system, battle system, story editor, card system, etc.).
- Developed Unity 3D UI design.
UX/UI Designer
- Designed the UX / UI for Voibook APP (Speech recognition, video call modules, VIP modules, etc).
- Researched and designed Voibook speech training APP.
- Created marketing materials (brochures, posters, social media graphics, etc.).
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Instructor
Course: HON-3210 Visual Storytelling in the Digital Age (Honors Seminar)
- Designed and taught course integrating visual communication and digital storytelling.
- Implemented interactive lectures, case studies, and in-class activities.
- Encouraged creative projects connecting visual narrative and digital media.
Graduate Mentor, SPIRE-EIT Program
- Mentored 3 undergraduates in user-centered design methods and research process.
- Monitored weekly progress and guided the interdisciplinary project.
Teaching Assistant, Department of Graphic Design
- Assisted in planning and organizing the 2022 Graduation Show for undergraduate exhibits.
- Designed the graduation catalog (InDesign) and developed an exhibition website (SquareSpace).
- Assisted in preparing course materials and slides.
- Provided substitute teaching when the instructor was away on business.
Upward Bound Residence Advisor (RA)
- Taught life skills class to first-generation, 30 low-income high school students.
- Independently supervised and mentored 10 students as dorm and program RA.
- Collaborated with 2 RA's and 2 staff members for programming and events.
- Served as program photographer, videographer, and created final video.
PUBLICATIONS
Peer-Reviewed Publications
Yao, T., Dorneich, M. C., Thomas, R., Brito Diaz, A., Maduwuba, C., Schwab, N., Losch, M., Krejci, C. C., Caron, J., & Passe, U. (2025). Evaluating User Perceptions and Usability of CommHEAT: A Community-Based Heat Alert Application. Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/10711813251359996
Yao, T., Dorneich, M. C., Passe, U., Schwab, N., Losch, M., Krejci, C. C., & Caron, J. (2024). Vulnerable Communities in the Face of Heat: A Pilot Study on Perceptions, Behaviors, and Support Networks During Heat Events. Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting, 68(1), 1890-1895. https://doi.org/10.1177/10711813241261378
Xiong, W., Yao, T., Pan, Q., & Liu, Z. (2020). Usability heuristic evaluation for the hearing impaired language training mobile app. In Design, User Experience, and Usability. Interaction Design: 9th International Conference, DUXU 2020, Held as Part of the 22nd HCI International Conference, HCII 2020, Copenhagen, Denmark, July 19–24, 2020, Proceedings, Part I 22 (pp. 294-307). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-49713-2_21
Wilhelmi, O. V., Hayden, M. H., Howe, P., Vanos, J., Meerow, S., Habeeb, D., He, C., Passe, U., Yao, T., Leal, R., Kumar, R., Crawford, B., Lanza, K., Molla, A., Newman, A., Laverty, A., Iradukunda, J. C., Frank, C., & Visintainer, T. Human and geographic dimensions of heat risk: Progress, challenges, and opportunities. Accepted for Environmental Research Letters. (SCIE, JCR Q1, IF 5.6)
Teaching Resource Publication
Yao, T. (2024). Bridging community history through interactive media. In Chicago Designs: Teaching Community-Based Histories. Art Design Chicago & Terra Foundation for American Art. Available online: https://www.designchicago.org/chicago-designs-participants-1?rq=tian%20yao
Conference Presentations & Abstracts
Yao, T., Passe, U., & Dorneich, M. (2025, June 23–24). A community-based mobile application for indoor heat risk mitigation [Conference presentation]. NSF NCAR Extreme Heat Research Symposium on Human and Geographic Dimensions of Extreme Heat and Heat Risk, Boulder, CO, United States.
Yao, T. (2025, October). Designing for vulnerable populations: A journey from hearing loss training to heat alert systems [Conference abstract]. SECAC (formerly the Southeastern College Art Conference), Cincinnati, OH, United States.
Manuscripts in Progress
Yao, T., Dorneich, M. C., Passe, U., Schwab, N., & Krejci, C. (in progress). Linking attitudes, norms, and control to heat adaptation: A real-time behavioral perspective. Manuscript in preparation. (Planned submission to Urban Climate, SCIE, JCR Q1, IF 6.9)
Yao, T., Dorneich, M. C., & Passe, U. (in progress). Designing climate awareness with youth: A co-design jam on heat and health. Manuscript in preparation. (Planned submission to Environmental Education Research, SSCI, JCR Q1, IF 3.1)
Yao, T., Dorneich, M. C., & Passe, U. (in progress). Designing a community-based indoor heat alert app informed by behavioral theory. Manuscript in preparation. (Planned submission to Design Studies, SCIE, JCR Q1, IF 4.8)
Yao, T., Dorneich, M. C., & Passe, U. (in progress). Evaluating behavioral change through a theory-informed heat alert system. Manuscript in preparation. (Planned submission to Journal of Environmental Psychology, SSCI, JCR Q1, IF 7)
ART EXHIBITIONS
Yao, T. (2024, October). Tethered Hearts. In Bloom Student Exhibition, Mainframe Studios, Des Moines, IA.
Yao, T. (2024, October). Tulip. In Bloom Student Exhibition, Mainframe Studios, Des Moines, IA.
Yao, T. (2024, August). Warmth Amidst the Cold. Contemporary Lens Student Photography Exhibition, Mainframe Studios, Des Moines, IA.
Yao, T. (2024, June). Spectrum of Harmony. In Effervescence: Perspectives from the ISU LGBTQIA+ student community and allies, Mainframe Studios, Des Moines, IA.
Yao, T. (2022, October–November). Blooming. Studies in Creativity Exhibition, ISU Memorial Union, Ames, IA.
MEDIA COVERAGE (2025)
ISU News Release (Oct 23, 2025)
https://www.news.iastate.edu/news/researchers-pilot-potentially-life-saving-heat-alert-app
https://www.news.iastate.edu/news/researchers-pilot-potentially-life-saving-heat-alert-app
The Gazette (Nov 2, 2025)
https://www.thegazette.com/environment-nature/as-heat-waves-intensify-in-iowa-a-mobile-app-aims-to-prevent-heat-related-illnesses/
https://www.thegazette.com/environment-nature/as-heat-waves-intensify-in-iowa-a-mobile-app-aims-to-prevent-heat-related-illnesses/
Iowa Capitol Dispatch (Nov 3, 2025)
https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/11/03/iowa-state-university-researchers-develop-app-to-predict-indoor-heat-waves/
https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2025/11/03/iowa-state-university-researchers-develop-app-to-predict-indoor-heat-waves/
Iowa Public Radio River to River (Nov 12, 2025)
https://www.iowapublicradio.org/podcast/river-to-river/2025-11-12/rural-areas-struggle-to-attract-maintain-lawyers (at the 32 minute mark)
https://www.iowapublicradio.org/podcast/river-to-river/2025-11-12/rural-areas-struggle-to-attract-maintain-lawyers (at the 32 minute mark)
SERVICE & LEADERSHIP
HFES Student Chapter, Communication Director
- Responsible for creating and maintaining electronic and written forms of communication within and beyond the Chapter, including a periodic newsletter and a website.
- Maintain active profiles on platforms like LinkedIn.
Adaptive Cognitive Systems Lab Webmaster
- Manage adaptive cognitive systems lab's website at ISU - https://www.imse.iastate.edu/acsl/
ISU International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO)
Cultural Ambassador
- Represented the ISSO at campus events and orientations, delivering presentations on cultural awareness and support services.
Student Union of School of Design of SCUT
- Promoted and publicized 5 seminar events.
- Organized students activities (sports meeting, welcome party, etc).
- Designed posters for seminars.
Volunteer Association of Qingdao Agricultural University
- Oversaw volunteers recruitment for events.
- Designed logos, posters, mascots, etc for the association.
AWARDS & SCHOLARSHIPS
2025
- National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Extreme Heat Risk Workshop: Travel Award (USD 1,000)
- NCAR GIS Storytelling Workshop: Travel Award (USD 600)
- Iowa State University, Department of Human–Computer Interaction: Travel Award (USD 500)
- Iowa State University, Department of Graphic Design: Travel Award (USD 400)
2024
- Chicago Designs Workshop: Travel Award (USD 1,200)
- Iowa State University Honors Seminar: Professional Development Award (USD 500)（USD 500）
- Iowa State University, Department of Human–Computer Interaction: Travel Award (USD 500)（USD 500）
- Iowa State University HCI 20th Anniversary Poster Competition: Best Interdisciplinary Collaboration Award & People’s Choice Award（USD 200）
2018
- “Youth Innovation” Zhejiang University National Innovation & Entrepreneurship Competition: Gold Award (Public Welfare Entrepreneurship)
- “Challenge Cup·Youth Innovation” Guangdong University Student Entrepreneurship Competition: Gold Award
- South China University of Technology 10th “Challenge Cup·Youth Innovation” Entrepreneurship Competition: Gold Award
2017
- Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center Innovation & Entrepreneurship Competition: Third Prize
- Sinopec New Gas Station Service Experience Design Competition: First Prize
2015
- National College English Competition (Category C): Second Prize
- Qingdao High-Tech Zone International Marathon: Outstanding Volunteer
2014
- Qingdao International Horticultural Exposition: Outstanding Volunteer
2013-2018
- First-Class and Second-Class Scholarships, South China University of Technology
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES) Member, 2024–Present
Southeastern College Art Conference (SECAC) Member, 2025–Present