Danniell Hu

Hi! My name is Danniell, but I usually go by Danni.

I’m a second-year PhD Candidate in Computer Science at the University of Michigan, where I have the pleasure of working with Professor Elizabeth Bondi-Kelly in the Realize Lab and Professor Westley Weimer in the Weimer Research Group.

My research is in AI for Social Impact (AISI). I study how we can design human-centered AI systems to address pressing societal challenges. My work sits at the intersection of artificial intelligence, software engineering, and psychology, with a focus on participatory-driven approaches. I'm particularly interested in medical contexts such as women's reproductive health.

Previously, I was an R&D Embedded Software Engineer at Stryker, where I developed PCBs and software for hospital bed ecosystems and medical monitoring technologies. I primarily worked in the medical division.

Outside of research, music is a huge part of my life. I’ve been playing violin for 18 years (and counting!) and continue to be involved by playing in the University of Michigan’s Campus Symphony Orchestra. I’m always looking for new music to listen to.

I also love working with my hands (crocheting, sewing, building computers, gardening), cooking, and playing multiplayer competitive video games. I also really enjoy going fishing!

News

January 05, 2026: Advanced to Candidacy!

I’ve advanced to Ph.D. candidacy in Computer Science at the University of Michigan after completing my coursework and prelim. I’m excited to shift my focus more fully to research and start thinking about my thesis.
December 09, 2025: CSEG Ice Skating Outing Read more

Photo by Steve Crang

I organized an ice skating event for CSEG members that brought together a huge turnout of graduate students! Many participants stepped onto the ice for the very first time. It was rewarding to create an accessible, welcoming space where students could try something new, connect outside the lab, and build stronger community ties. The enthusiasm and shared excitement made it one of CSEG’s most memorable social gatherings to date.
November 18, 2025: 🎉 AAAI AI Magazine Paper Acceptance! 🎉 Read more

Our publication titled “Human at the Center: A Framework for Human-Driven AI Development” was accepted to AAAI AI Magazine. We propose a structured framework for designing and evaluating human-AI systems that center human judgment, agency, and ethics. It synthesizes technical, practical, and ethical insights to outline four modes of human–AI collaboration, emphasize evaluation with real users, and highlight issues of fairness, labor, privacy, and human agency in AI development. We hope this paper will help researchers and practitioners build AI systems that are not only effective, but deeply aligned with human needs, values, and real-world contexts.
September 25, 2025: CSEG Dexter Cider Mill Group Trip Read more

Photo by Steve Crang

I organized a fall trip to the historic Dexter Cider Mill, giving CSEG members a chance to unwind off-campus and enjoy fresh cider, donuts, and peak-season scenery. The event brought together students from across CSEG for a relaxed afternoon of conversation, community building, and autumn vibes! So happy to see everyone there!
September 22, 2025: Passed my Preliminary Exam!

I passed my Ph.D. preliminary exam, taking a step towards advancing towards candidacy. I am grateful for the guidance and feedback from my committee and mentors throughout this milestone. Thank you!
August 15, 2025: CSEG Social Chair Read more

Excited to start my responsibilities as PhD social chair for CSEG this year. Let’s have some fun events!
December 10, 2024: 🎉 ICSE 2025 Conference Paper Acceptance! 🎉 Read more

Our publication titled “Towards a Cognitive Model of Dynamic Debugging: Does Identifier Construction Matter” was accepted to ICSE 2025 (International Conference on Software Engineering) from the Journal-First Track. Happy to see more visibility on our paper! See you in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada in April.