Hello! My name is Ting-Han Lin, and I go by Timmy. I am an incoming computer science PhD student at the University of Chicago. I received both M.S. in Computer Science and B.A. in Economics from the University of Chicago in 2022 (4-year Joint BA/MS in Computer Science). During my undergrad and master’s, I was advised by Prof. Sarah Sebo and Prof. Ken Nakagaki. Before coming to the United States for college, I was born and raised in Taiwan.
My research interest lies in the intersection of human-computer interaction and human-robot interaction. Specifically, I design intelligent robotic systems with a research goal to better integrate robots into our world by (1) facilitating new forms of human-robot interaction, (2) making robots more accessible, programmable, and interactive with people, and (3) showing people the capability of robots as intelligent supporters. I have published my research in top conferences including CHI and RO-MAN.
Two of my research projects investigated the potentiality of employing robots as game masters in interactive games and using robots as ice-breakers in group settings. One of my projects allows users to spatially throw and catch objects between the digital and the physical worlds via a swarm user interface.
Soon, I envision our future living environment will be accompanied by many intelligent robotic systems, and I am excited to research how groups of people can interact with various forms of robots.
M.S. in Computer Science, 2022
University of Chicago
B.A. in Economics, 2022
University of Chicago
High School Diploma, 2018
Taipei Wego Senior High School
03/20/2023 Served as the TA for DATA 21200 (Spring 2023) Mathematical Methods for Data Science II taught by Prof. David Biron
01/13/2023 Papers titled "ThrowIO: Actuated TUIs that Facilitate “Throwing and Catching” Spatial Interaction with Overhanging Mobile Wheeled Robots" and "Ice-Breaking Technology: Robots and Computers Can Foster Meaningful Connections between Strangers through In-Person Conversations" were both accepted at CHI 2023 Annual Conference
01/03/2023 Served as the TA for DATA 21100 (Winter 2023) Mathematical Methods for Data Science I taught by Prof. David Biron
10/19/2022 Paper titled "Benefits of an Interactive Robot Character in Immersive Puzzle Games" is featured on UChicago Computer Science Department Check it out here!
09/26/2022 Served as the TA for CMSC 20300 (Autumn 2022) Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction taught by Prof. Ken Nakagaki
08/30/2022 Presented a paper at RO-MAN 2022 in Naples, Italy
06/04/2022 Graduated from UChicago with M.S. in CS and B.A. in Econ
05/30/2022 Paper titled "Benefits of an Interactive Robot Character in Immersive Puzzle Games" was accepted at RO-MAN 2022 Annual Conference
During my free time, I really enjoy juggling! I can juggle pins, rings, yoyos, and up to 7 balls, and I often perform juggling at charity performances and give juggling lessons to people at all ages.