Dr. Cindy Kao

Associate Professor

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Biography

Cindy Hsin-Liu Kao is an Associate Professor in the Department of Human Centered Design at Cornell University, with graduate field faculty appointments in Information Science and Electrical & Computer Engineering. She founded and directs the Hybrid Body Lab, where she merges cultural and social perspectives on body interfaces with design. Her research aims to create inclusive and diverse designs for emerging soft wearable technologies, which include innovative forms such as smart tattoos and close-body textiles. Kao has developed novel digital fabrication processes to craft technologies that closely conform to the body. Her research has garnered multiple honors, including the National Science Foundation CAREER Award, and recognition at top-tier Computer Science conferences. In addition to her technical contributions, she actively engages with design-art communities, exhibiting her work internationally. Her educational background includes a Ph.D. from the MIT Media Lab, and both a Master's degree and Bachelor's degrees in Computer Science from National Taiwan University.

Research Interests

Experience

Associate Professor

— Present

Cornell University • Ithaca, NY

Teaching and conducting research in Human Centered Design, with a focus on wearable technologies and body interfaces.

Awards

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National Science Foundation CAREER Award

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ACM Designing Interactive Systems Best Paper Honorable Mention

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ACM International Symposium Wearable Computers Best Paper Honorable Mention

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ACM UIST Best Paper Award

Courses

DEA 1110/COGST 1111 - Making Difference Design DEA 6040 - Future Body Craft: Fabricating On-Skin Interfaces DEA 2200 - Art+Science

Requirements for Cornell University

Master Program
Requirements
TOEFL
Listening
Required:15
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:22
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Architecture or related field
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Portfolio (SlideRoom)
  • Academic Statement of Purpose
  • Personal Statement
  • Transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Resume/CV
Specialization Notes

Department of Architecture