I'm a fifth-year PhD Candidate in Informatics
at the University of California, Irvine, where I work with
Dr. Yunan Chen in the
Health and Information Lab.
I conduct research at the intersection of human-computer interaction, computer-supported cooperative work,
and health informatics. In my work, I take a socio-technical approach to examining data practices and
technology use in individual, family, and community health contexts, with a focus on populations
with complex care needs. Using human-centered design and community-based research methods, I engage
with youth, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and social service providers to develop a
comprehensive understanding of care ecosystems and the potential for data-driven technologies to
support complex care needs.
I completed my M.S. in Computer Science (2021, advised by
Dr. Eun Kyoung Choe), B.S. in Computer Science
(2019, advised by Dr. Leilani Battle),
and B.A. in Germanic Studies at the University of Maryland,
where I spent a lot of time in the HCIL.
Outside of research, I enjoy anything outdoors, traveling, and textile arts.
Feel free to check out my curriculum vitae
(updated June 2025) to see my publications.
Rachael Zehrung
