I am a PhD student in Human-Computer Interaction at Open Lab, Newcastle University, UK, under the supervision of Dr. Ahmed Kharrufa. My research investigates the intersection of generative artificial intelligence and educational technology, with particular emphasis on computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) and human-computer interaction in educational contexts. I also serve as a Postgraduate Teaching Assistant in the School of Computing.
My academic journey includes an MSc in Human-Computer Interaction with Distinction from the University of Nottingham (2022) and a BEng in Computer Science and Technology from Chengdu University of Information Technology (2021), where I was affiliated with the Interactive Media Studio. I am also an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA). I have gained industry experience in educational technology product development and operations.
Research Focus: My doctoral research centers on designing and evaluating generative AI agents to support group collaboration and enhance team productivity in educational and professional contexts.
🔥 Latest News
- January 2026One full paper accepted by CHI 2026!
- July 2025Awarded Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA) recognition.
- June 2025Published paper at HCII 2025 conference in Gothenburg, Sweden.
- June-July 2025Presented prototype "AI for group" at ECSCW 2025 conference in Newcastle, UK.
- December 2024Published paper at Chinese CHI 2024 conference in Shenzhen, China.
- September 2023I joined the Newcastle University Open Lab as a PhD Student.
📝 Publications
- 2025 GlobalUP: Leveraging Social Media to Provide Social Support for Chinese Cultural Groups in Unfamiliar Environments.
- 2024 Collective Creation of Intimacy: Exploring the Cosplay Commission Practice within the Otome Game Community in China.
- 2023 Fish for Study: An Educational Game to Provide Motivation and Avoid Distractions from Mobile Devices during Learning.
- 2019 CheChe: An Interactive Tracking Robot Group Based on Footprint Reproduction.
🎓 Education
- 2017-2021Chengdu University of Information Technology — BEng
- 2021-2022University of Nottingham, UK — MSc in Human-Computer Interaction with Distinction
- 2023-2028 Newcastle University, UK — PhD in Computer Science (expected)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
- 2025Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA)
- 2023-2028Postgraduate Research Studentship (Fully funded PhD, Newcastle University)
- 2022MSc with Distinction - University of Nottingham
- 2020-2021University Scholarship (Chengdu University of Information Technology)
- 2020First Prize - Sichuan Collegiate Computing Competition
- 2020Third Prize - 13th Chinese Collegiate Computing Competition
- 2019Excellence Award - 2nd China-Israel Hackathon Competition
- 2018-2019University Scholarship (Chengdu University of Information Technology)
💼 Professional Experience
Work Experience
- 2023.09-2028.09Postgraduate Teaching Assistant, School of Computing, Newcastle University, UK
- 2023.05-2023.08Probationary Staff Member, Jinniu District Human Resources and Social Security Bureau, Chengdu, China
Internship Experience
- 2022.10-12Research Assistant Intern, Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University
- 2021.05-08Product Operations Intern, Baicizhan (百词斩)
🏫 University Service
- 2018-2021Undergraduate Research Intern, Interactive Media Studio (IMS)
- 2019-2020Student Assistant Intern, Office of International Exchange and Cooperation, Chengdu University of Information Technology
- 2018-2019Piano Accompanist, Faculty Choir, Chengdu University of Information Technology
🤝 Academic Service
- 2025Reviewer - ECSCW; Student Volunteer - HCII 2025; Student Volunteer - ECSCW 2025
📚 Teaching Experience
- 2023-2026Teaching Assistant - CSC1031 Fundamentals of Computing. Undergraduate, Newcastle University.
- 2023-2024Teaching Assistant - CSC1032 Computer Systems Design and Architectures. Undergraduate, Newcastle University.
- 2023-2026Teaching Assistant - CSC8022 Human Computer Interaction. Postgraduate, Newcastle University.
- 2024-2026Teaching Assistant/Tutor - CSC3731 Human Computer Interaction. Undergraduate, Newcastle University.
✨ Life Beyond Research
A glimpse into my personal world
Hi, I'm Haowei. I'm living in Newcastle upon Tyne at the moment.
Coincidentally, my name sounds almost the same as the Geordie word "Howay" — the one that means "let's go!" or "come on!". So yes, every time someone shouts "Howay, man!" on the street, I do sometimes turn my head.
I'm from Shijiazhuang, a city in northern China that we like to call a "small city" even though it's… well, definitely not small. It's the kind of place where winter wind teaches you character, and hot noodles are a survival instinct.
💡 My Interests
- Music & Creativity: I love music. I write and release songs as a NetEase Music artist. I also really enjoy musicals and opera.
- Gaming & Entertainment: I'm a Nintendo person, especially The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
- Dance & Movement: And sometimes, I dance hip-hop — mostly to remind myself that my body exists outside of my brain.
- Home & Comfort: I believe in the simple pleasures of life - good food, cozy spaces, and the warmth of home.
🌈 My Simple Dream
My long-term life plan is quite simple: a home with a cat, a dog, sunlight, and enough time to slow-cook things. That's it. That's the dream.
📧 Get in Touch
I'm always interested in discussing research collaborations, academic opportunities, or simply connecting with fellow researchers and students in the HCI community.
Contact Information
Institution
School of Computing, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK