About me

My name is Loo Hui En (pronounced as Hwee-Urn), an incoming PhD student at the iSchool at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign starting Fall 2026. My research interests spans across human–machine communication, information integrity and responsible AI. I am driven by a desire to understand how we can harness the power of technology to foster positive change for all.

I grew up in Singapore 🇸🇬 and received my early training in Chinese Media and Communication at Ngee Ann Polytechnic. I subsequently graduated from Nanyang Technological University with a bachelor’s degree in Public Policy and Global Affairs. Prior to enrolling at NTU, I worked as a journalist at Lianhe Zaobao (2020–2021), covering local and crime news.

At NTU, I have been fortunate to work with several mentors who shaped my research journey. I first worked with Dr Jeremy Sng on my first independent research project on generative AI and educational inequality. I subsequently worked with A/P Wang Jue, whose guidance deepened my interests in students’ behavioural responses to AI in education, followed by A/P Chou Meng-Hsuan as a research assistant. I am currently a research assistant at the SWEET Lab, directed by Asst Prof. Renwen Zhang, where I conduct research on AI-mediated communication and AI and mental health.

Contact

Please feel free to reach out if you are interested in exchanging ideas, collaborating, or having a conversation (about anything at all). You can e-mail me, or drop me a text on my social media.

Email: heloo2@illnois.edu