Kai-Hui Liang
”I believe technology not only makes life easier － it also has the power to help people grow, heal, and connect more deeply with themselves and others.”
About Me
I’m a Research Associate at Columbia Business School, working with Professor Sandra Matz on research exploring how personality shapes conversational dynamics and negotiation outcomes — both in human interactions and in AI-based simulations of negotiation.
Before that, I was a Ph.D. candidate in Computer Science at Columbia University, where my research focused on human-centered dialog systems that support learning and well-being. My work bridged Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Human-Centered AI, Conversational AI, and Natural Language Processing (NLP), integrating insights from behavioral science and communication research. I explored how intelligent conversational systems can foster healthier behavior change and enhanced learning experiences, with publications in venues such as CSCW, Digital Health, CUI, ACL, SIGDial, and Frontiers in Communication.
Through that work, I became increasingly drawn to the psychological side of change and personal growth - what lies at the root of people’s struggles to grow, what truly matters to them, and how technology might help them face frustration with greater compassion and achievable goals. I’ve often noticed that when people feel emotionally or mentally vulnerable-when life feels heavy or progress seems out of reach—they interpret setbacks as personal shortcomings. I’m especially interested in helping them rediscover self-confidence and self-efficacy, even in the midst of challenges.
Looking ahead, I’m passionate about creating technology that supports personal growth and mental health, especially for people navigating vulnerable or uncertain moments in their lives. I care deeply about designing psychologically safe digital spaces where genuine transformation can take place — not just symptom management, but meaningful change through honest self-reflection and healthy belief reconstruction. My hope is to build tools that not only encourage people, but also foster authentic growth - helping them engage with their inner realities, transform limiting beliefs, and cultivate a self-understanding grounded in truth and clarity.
Contact
Feel free to reach me at [kaihui.liang at columbia dot edu] or connect with me on LinkedIn.