Date and Time (China standard time): Thursday, April 17, 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Location: IB 1012
Title: Ultrafast Energy, Electron, and Proton Transfer in Synthetic Chromophores
Speaker:
Dr. Rui Liu
Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Duke Kunshan University
Abstract:
Ultrafast energy, electron, and proton transfer processes are fundamental to the remarkable efficiency of native photosynthesis. We build molecular or bio-hybrid mimic systems to investigate the mechanistic principles of the beautiful native machine. Through molecular design and the ultrafast time-resolved pump–probe transient absorption techniques, we define paradigms for (1) Ultrafast coherent Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer (PCET) in both concerted and stepwise mechanisms. (2) A synthetic strategy to build a donor-donor-acceptor (D1D2A) supramolecular construct and tailor vibronic coherence to leverage an efficient long-range electron-transfer by defeating the thermodynamic energy trap. (3) Ultrafast excited-state proton transfer with long-lived charge-separated state enabled by novel porphyrin photoacid.
Bio:
Research in the Liu lab focuses on synthesis and photophysical characterizations of light-harvesting materials for solar energy conversions: (1) Developing molecular systems to mechanistically interrogate ultrafast proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) reactions. (2) Design, synthesis, and photophysics of molecular-based supermolecular architectures for applications in NIR light triggered photoredox catalysis. (3) Developing low-cost machine learning predictions of excited-state properties for photoredox catalysts. Fascinated by the elegancy and beauty of natural photosynthesis, Rui devoted his research career to artificial and bio-hybrid photosynthesis studies. RL began his research career with the synthesis, electrochemistry, and catalysis of metallocorroles in his undergraduate study. Then he continued his graduate study on synthesis and photophysical characterizations of light-harvesting architecture for solar energy conversions and his postdoctoral training on chromophore ultrafast energy, electron, and proton transfer in synthetic chromophores.
Title: Towards Human-Centered AI Systems for Mental Well-being
Speaker:
Dr. Yucheng Jin
Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Duke Kunshan University
Abstract:
The rapid advancement of AI technologies challenges us to rethink how humans interact with intelligent systems and how to design them responsibly. Human-centered AI emphasizes building systems that are transparent, controllable, and aligned with human values and needs. In this talk, I will briefly share our efforts to make music recommender systems more understandable and user-driven. Given the deep connection between music, emotion, and mental health, my research explores how AI can harness music to support mental well-being. Specifically, we are developing a conversational music recommender that helps users express their feelings and reflect while listening to music. We also explore how generative AI can empower music therapists and facilitate music-based reminiscence therapy for older adults. I will conclude by discussing emerging design paradigms for human-centered AI and outlining my future research and teaching agenda, which aims to advance AI systems that support human flourishing.
Bio:
Yucheng Jin is an Assistant Professor of Computer Science and the founder of the Hybrid Interactive Intelligence (HII) Lab at DKU. His research explores human-centered approaches to designing and evaluating AI systems that promote human well-being and foster augmented creativity. Prior to joining DKU, he was a Research Assistant Professor at Hong Kong Baptist University (2021–2024) and a Senior UX Designer at Lenovo Research (2016–2021), where he led the design and development of several innovative AI products. He holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from KU Leuven. Dr. Jin has published over 30 peer-reviewed articles in leading conferences and journals, including CHI, CSCW, IJHCS, and Innovation. His research contributions have resulted in ten patents and have been recognized with awards such as Best Paper Candidate at RecSys ’18 and an Honorable Mention Award at CHI ’22. He actively serves the academic community as a (senior) program committee member for ACM conferences including RecSys, UMAP, and IUI.
