Human-Computer Interaction STEW Lab PhD Recruitment 2026

Indiana University Indianapolis

Click to add favourite Remove from favourite

1

Vacancy

1

Description

The Socio -Technical Exploration of Well-being (STEW) Lab at Indiana University Indianapolis (IUI) invites applications from motivated doctoral students interested in joining the Human–Computer Interaction (HCI) PhD program. Under the leadership of Assistant Professor Dong Whi Yoo, the STEW Lab is dedicated to examining the complex relationships between technology, social systems, and human well-being. The lab’s research agenda emphasizes ethical, inclusive, and community-centered approaches to technological innovation, to design systems that meaningfully support people’s everyday lives. This doctoral opportunity is based at an R1 doctoral university, formerly known as IUPUI, and benefits from Indiana University Indianapolis’s strong research infrastructure and interdisciplinary culture. As home to the largest medical school in the United States, the institution offers unique opportunities for collaboration across health sciences, computing, and social research. Doctoral researchers in the STEW Lab will be immersed in a vibrant and supportive academic environment that values collaboration, methodological rigor, and real-world impact. Through close mentorship and access to diverse research partners, the successful candidate will be well-positioned to develop high-quality scholarship while contributing to ethically grounded, socially responsible technological innovation. 

Responsibilities

Research Focus and Environment

The STEW Lab seeks doctoral applicants who are deeply interested in Human-Centered Computing and community-engaged research. The successful candidate will contribute to research that critically examines how emerging technologies shape mental health and well-being, with a strong emphasis on ethical and socially responsible design.

• AI and Mental Health: Research focused on understanding how individuals and communities interact with artificial intelligence - driven systems and digital mental health technologies. This includes examining user experiences, trust, accessibility, and the real-world impacts of AI-supported mental health tools.
• Ethical and Stakeholder-Engaged Design: Strong emphasis on ethical research practices that actively involve stakeholders, including patients, clinicians, and community members. The work prioritizes transparency, accountability, and inclusivity throughout the design and evaluation of technological systems.
• Human-Centered System Design: Design and development of AI systems intended to meaningfully support mental health and overall well-being. Research focuses on aligning technical innovation with human values, lived experiences, and clinical or community needs. 

Program Environment and Benefits

1. Collaborative Research Ecosystem: The IUI HCI PhD program offers a highly supportive academic community with strong interdisciplinary ties, particularly with the Indiana University School of Medicine. This environment enables rich collaboration across computing, healthcare, and social sciences.
2. Dedicated Mentorship: Doctoral researchers receive direct supervision and close mentorship from Assistant Professor Dong Whi Yoo, supporting intellectual growth, methodological rigor, and professional development.
3. Access to Top-Tier Research Resources: Scholars benefit from the facilities, funding opportunities, and professional networks available at a major R1 research institution, enhancing both research impact and career readiness. 

Check also: 

Tenure-Track Assistant Professor Position in Mechanical Engineering | Tulane University 

Qualification

Eligibility Criteria

While formal academic requirements are set by the Indiana University Indianapolis Graduate School, the STEW Lab is particularly interested in applicants who demonstrate strong alignment with the lab’s mission and research values:

• Research Motivation: A clear and sustained motivation to conduct sociotechnical research that examines the interplay between technology, social systems, and human well-being. Candidates should be eager to engage in thoughtful, impact-driven scholarship rather than purely technical development.
• Research Interests and Focus: A demonstrated interest in designing and evaluating AI systems for health and mental well-being, including the study of human - AI interaction. Applicants should show curiosity about how AI technologies are experienced by individuals and communities, particularly in real-world health contexts.
• Community Engagement Orientation: A strong desire to work collaboratively with diverse communities and stakeholders, incorporating lived experiences into research and design processes. Commitment to participatory, inclusive, and culturally responsive research practices is highly valued.
• Ethical and Values Alignment: An interest in projects that place ethical considerations, social responsibility, and community needs at the center of technology development. Applicants should demonstrate sensitivity to issues such as equity, trust, privacy, and accountability in AI-enabled systems. 

Application Procedure

Prospective applicants interested in joining the STEW Lab through the HCI PhD program should carefully follow the steps outlined below to ensure a complete and well-prepared application:

1. Explore the STEW Lab’s Research: Visit the STEW Lab website to review ongoing and past research projects, publications, and methodological approaches. Applicants should assess how their research interests and long-term academic goals align with the lab’s focus on human-centered, community-engaged technology and well-being.
2. Review HCI PhD Program Requirements: Carefully read the full admission criteria, application components, and timelines on the Human - Computer Interaction (HCI) PhD Program website. Ensure that all academic prerequisites and documentation requirements set by Indiana University Indianapolis are met.
3. Initiate Contact with the Supervisor: Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to contact Assistant Professor Dong Whi Yoo directly at dy22@iu.edu. This initial communication should briefly outline the applicant’s background, research interests, and motivation for joining the STEW Lab, and may include questions about research fit or supervision.
4. Submit the Formal Application: Complete and submit the official PhD application through the Indiana University Indianapolis online admissions portal. All required materials must be uploaded by the January application deadline, as late or incomplete submissions may not be considered. 

For more information, please visit here.