About Me

Hi, I'm Junke. I'm currently a Research Assistant at DE4M Lab, UT Dallas, advised by Prof. Liang He, . Before this, I obtained my Master of Science degree in Computational Design from Carnegie Mellon University in May 2025, and obtained my Bachelor of Architecture degree from Southeast University in June 2023.

My research interests focus on the intersection of design and technology, with a focus on exploring computational design, digital fabrication, tangible interaction, and ubiquitous computing in the field of human-computer interaction. Specifically, my research objectives lie in the following two aspects:

Interactive and Adaptive Physical Environments

My research investigates the design and implementation of adaptive, responsive and interactive systems within built environments and everyday artifacts, aiming to enhance user comfort, human abilities, and overall experience.

Personal and Democratized Design and Fabrication Tools

My research explores design tools and advanced fabrication methodologies, aimed at democratizing digital manufacturing, reducing barriers to entry, and expanding the scope of material and spatial expression.

I'm actively seeking PhD positions in HCI and related fields starting Fall 2026. Please feel free to reach out if you have any opportunities!

Research Projects

Transformable Furniture Platform
Paper in Progress

Beyond Furniture:A Taxonomy of Functional,Personalized Transformable Furniture Made with Digital Fabrication Technologies for Domestic Usage

Junke Zhao, Te-Yen Wu, Liang He

Design Taxonomy
Master's Thesis, 2025

CoFAB: An Integrated Human-AI Collaboration Prototyping and Fabrication System for Designers in Early Design Stages

Junke Zhao (Advisor: Joshua Bard)

Design Projects

View all

Recent Experiences

UT Dallas

The University of Texas at Dallas

Research Assistant, Aug 2025-Present

CMU

Carnegie Mellon University

Research Assistant, Aug 2024 - Jan 2025

Education

CMU

Carnegie Mellon University

Master of Science in Computational Design, Aug 2023 - May 2025

Southeast University

Southeast University

Bachelor of Architecture, Aug 2018 - Jun 2023

ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich

Joint Program, Architecture, Sep 2019 - Jun 2020