SeoYoon Sung, PhD

Prior to joining the faculty at USC, I was a postdoctoral research scientist and an Active Learning Initiative fellow at Cornell University at the College of Computing and Information Science. I examined how active learning methods can improve teaching and learning experiences in interdisciplinary computing fields (e.g., Information Science, data and computing) where students are increasingly expected to gain skills and knowledge across divergent knowledge domains.

My Ph.D. in Information Science at Rutgers University iSchool led me to study the changing organizational infrastructures that shape people’s collective work and cross-functional innovation process, mediated by new technologies such as enterprise social media tools (ESNs). While focusing on knowledge (or knowing), I focused on cultural and organizational changes observed in Big Tech (e.g., open and decentralized structure in Silicon Valley) as well as the gig work economy (e.g., Ride-hailing industry and platform work). I received my Master’s degree at Columbia University where I engaged in a series of research and work related to workplace learning, training, and workforce development.

I also gained a diverse range of professional experiences, as I have worked and consulted with numerous for-profit and non-profit organizations including NBCUniversal Inc., the United Nations (UN), and the NYC Department of Education (NYC DoE). These experiences involved structuring effective cross-functional work for digital innovation, developing learning and training programs, and utilizing new digital technologies for enhancing workplace engagement.

I have taught at the undergraduate and graduate levels, both online and in-person. Past courses offered include Human Information Behavior, Social Informatics, and Teaching and Learning Doctoral Seminar.