Yichen(Andy) Yu

Yichen(Andy) Yu

Shanghai | Taichung | Madison | Rochester

Education

  • University of Rochester
    Aug 2023 – May 2025
    Master of Science in Computer Science

  • University of Wisconsin–Madison
    Jan 2023 – Jun 2023
    VISP Student in Computer Science

  • Feng Chia University
    Sep 2020 – Jun 2023
    Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

  • Providence University
    Sep 2019 – Jun 2020
    Enrolled in Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Big Data Analytics

Research Experience

  • Carnegie Mellon University
    Research Assistant (Remote)
    • Conducting VR safety research, leveraging AI for obstacle safety classification and immersive replacement solutions.
  • University of Rochester Medical Center - Dzikowicz Lab
    Research Assistant
    • Digitizing paper-based ECG charts for clinical dataset integration.
    • Analyzing cardiac responses in post-operative rehabilitation through wearable ECG signals.
  • ROC-HCI Lab, University of Rochester
    Research Assistant
    • Creating AR educational games for K-12 on Android and Meta Quest.
    • Developing MR systems for alleviating separation anxiety disorder in children.
    • Designing AR systems for parents and kids with ASL to learn sign language.

Work Experience

  • Porsche Engineering
    HMI System Engineer Intern, Shanghai, China (May 2024 – Aug 2024)
    • Delivered localized HMI systems for production vehicles.
    • Developed reusable UI frameworks and accelerated prototyping and validation cycles.
    • Built immersive simulation labs and voice interaction flows.
  • Milele Chikasa Anana Elementary School
    Teacher, Madison, USA (Jan 2023 – Jun 2023)
    • Taught basic programming skills to K-12 students in Scratch Club.
  • Schneider Electric
    Internship, Shanghai, China
    • Provided technical sales support and customized electric equipment solutions.
  • ABB Xiamen Low Voltage Equipment Co., Ltd.
    Internship, Xiamen, China
    • Developed digital energy system solutions and data analysis tools using Python and R.

Selected Projects

  • Chameleon: Risk-Level-Aware Obstacle Substitution in VR
    • Developed a VR system for dynamic real-world obstacle substitution based on risk classification.
    • Co-authored CHI 2025 Late-Breaking Work paper.
  • Embodied and Analogical AI Experiences for Children - BeeTrap
    • Created engaging AR/VR learning games to introduce AI concepts to K-12 children.
  • Running Training Assistance App for the Blind - RunPacer
    • Acquired for about 33,000 USD.
    • Won 1st Prize in 2023 Apple Mobile Application Innovation Competition.
    • Designed for iOS and WatchOS, featuring health tracking and real-time running support.
  • Warning and Route Recommendation System for Roads with High Accident Rates
    • Built with Flutter, launched on App Store and Google Play.
    • Analyzed traffic accident trends and recommended safer routes.

Publications

  • Yichen Yu, Qiao Jin. “Unobtrusive Substitution of Real-World Obstacles in VR Using Risk Classification to Support Interaction.” (CHI Workshop’25).
  • Yichen Yu, Qiao Jin. “Chameleon: Unobtrusive Substitution of Real-World Obstacles in VR with Risk-Level-Aware Adaptation.” (CHI LBW’25). https://doi.org/10.1145/3706599.3719779
  • Xiaofei Zhou, Yunfan Gong, Yichen Yu, Yi Zhang, Jeremy Smith, Zhen Bai. “Design AI for My Community: A Case Study in a Freedom-to-Read Summer Camp.” (ISLS’25).
  • Xiaofei Zhou, Yunfan Gong, Yichen Yu, Zhenyao Cai, Zhen Bai. “Iterative Design of Embodied and Analogical Learning Experiences for Teaching AI Literacy to Children.” (ACM TOCE’24).
  • Alexander Bae, Yichen Yu, Chi-Ju Lai, Wendy Brunner, Nicole Krupa, Mary Carey, Wai Cheong Tam, Dillon Dzikowicz. “Structural Heart Abnormalities are Prevalent on the 12-lead ECG among Firefighters.” (Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine). https://doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0000000000003409
  • Alexander Bae, Yichen Yu, Chi-Ju Lai, Wendy Brunner, Nicole Krupa, Mary Carey, Wai Cheong Tam, Dillon Dzikowicz. “9-Year Longitudinal Assessment of the 12-lead Electrocardiogram of Volunteer Firefighters.” (American Heart Association Scientific Sessions’24). https://doi.org/10.1161/circ.150.suppl1.4137975

Scholastic Achievements

  • 1st Prize, 2023 Apple Mobile Application Innovation Competition
  • 3rd Prize, 2022 Apple Mobile Application Innovation Competition
  • Special Award, Digital Social Innovation Competition by MediaTek Inc.

Skills and Interests

Programming: R, Python, C, C#, Flutter, Swift, SQL, Java, Stat, HTML
Languages: English, Mandarin, Shanghainese
Interests: VR/AR Development, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), AI Education, Healthcare Technology