Xinchen Yu joining UA Department of Computer Science!
Welcome new Assistant Professor of Practice!
Dr. Xinchen Yu will be joining the Department of Computer Science faculty in fall 2023. We asked Dr. Yu to answer our "Getting to know you" questions. Responses below.
Educational background/short bio:
I am delighted to join Department of Computer Science at the University of Arizona. I received my Ph.D. in Information Science from the University of North Texas, where I have taught courses in data science. Before that, I earned my MS from the University of Pittsburgh in 2019 and my BS from Zhejiang University in 2017.
Research interests:
I work in the area of natural language processing and computational social science. My research centers on supporting online safety and facilitating communications between people. I am interested in applying data-driven methods to help understand and mitigate online hatred.
Why did you apply to join the University of Arizona Department of Computer Science?
The University of Arizona Department of Computer Science has a group of outstanding and supportive faculty, I feel fortunate to work with them. In addition, the department has its unique culture, central location, and reputation that attract highly motivated undergraduate and graduate students. I look forward to having the opportunity to contribute to their success.
What made you interested in pursuing a career in higher education/the academy?
I really enjoy teaching. Working in academia allows me to work with students and help them facilitate knowledge acquisition in the discipline that I teach. At the same time, I can have the freedom to dictate my own schedule.
What are you looking forward to most in coming to UA?
Teaching and mentoring students, working with outstanding faculty members, and a new journey in the desert. I can’t wait to live in a city with astonishing desert sunsets, sunny days, and cactus-filled landscapes.
Any other information you would like students, staff, faculty, alumni, etc. to know about you.
I like baking at home and hiking outdoors. I have played Guzheng which is a Chinese zither for years. I have two cats, Cedar and Redwood, and I believe they will like their new home with plenty of sunlight too!