Creative Technologist, Designer, Multi-disciplinary Artist
(+1) 8577069434
Portfolio (Website under construction, see below)
Skye (Xinyi) Gao is a creative technologist, designer, and multi-disciplinary artist currently based in Cambridge, MA. Her work spans across interactive experience, multimedia installations, bio-inspired design, and creative computing.
Driven by a deep engagement with technology, Skye finds herself at the nexus of human, artificial, and natural intelligence. Her most recent research interest explores how advanced computational systems can reshape human experiences and understanding from a more-than-human perspective. Beyond her speculative explorations, Skye also addresses pressing social and cultural phenomena, reflecting on the juxtaposition of life and death in the digital era and its implications for (post)human conditions.
Skye holds a Master of Design Studies (MDes) degree at Harvard Graduate of Design with a concentration in medium/technology and a B.Sc in Interactive Media Arts from NYU Shanghai. Her work has been featured in exhibitions at the MIT Museum Studio and Compton Gallery, On-Display Harvard, School of Visual Arts, Media Architecture Biennial, NYU Abu Dhabi Art Center, NYU Shanghai Interactive Media Arts Program, Future Lab, and M50 Shanghai.
2024 Harvard University Graduate School of Design Master in Design Studies - Technology / Medium Domain
2024 Massachusetts Institute of Technology Media Lab, Art, Culture & technology, MIT Museum Studio (Cross-registration)
2021 New York University Shanghai, Bachelor of Science - Cum laude with honors in Interactive Media Arts
2019-2020 New York University New York University Abu Dhabi Study Away Program
Design Researcher — Swimming in a Sea of Invisible Waves
Harvard metaLab | 2023.5 - 2023.8
Collaborated closely with a diverse team of designers and researchers at Harvard metaLab on a pioneering project at the intersection of radio wave technology and design, aimed at raising public awareness about the significance of often-overlooked technologies in daily life. Conducted extensive research on the history and science of radio technologies, unearthing pivotal milestones, breakthroughs, and influential figures that have shaped the landscape of modern communication. Led the design and development of an interactive front-end interface that chronicles the evolution of radio technology, effectively engaging audiences across various age groups and knowledge levels.
Research Fellow — Mixed-reality Sensory Experience for Inclusive Design
Empathy Lab X NYU Shanghai | 2021.9 - 2022.3
Spearheaded in-depth research focused on sensory perception and the inclusive experience of individuals with various disabilities, including visual impairment, hearing impairment, and intellectual disability. Pioneered the development of an immersive storytelling experience, utilizing cutting-edge VR technology and physical computing. The objective was to authentically simulate the perspectives of individuals with visual impairment, with a key emphasis on fostering empathy and promoting inclusion within society.
Research Assistant — Machine Learning Sensing Systems for Architectural Applications
Supervisor: Stavros Didakis*,* Assistant Professor of Interactive Media Arts*,* NYU Shanghai | 2021.7 - 2021.9
Successfully developed and deployed a state-of-the-art machine learning sensing system tailored for architectural applications. This innovative system was built on IoT technology, integrating an array of sensors, Arduino Yun, NODE.js, MQTT, and MongoDB to achieve optimal functionality. Collaborated closely with a team of electronic engineers from DFRobot to oversee the design and manufacturing of the hardware systems. This collaborative effort ensured the seamless integration of hardware components, contributing to the system's overall efficiency and reliability.
Research Artist — ***Remember Me Digitally: Digital Legacy through Electronic Media* Dean’s Undergrad Research Fund Recipient, NYU Shanghai**
Supervisor: Eric Parren*,* Assistant Professor of Interactive Media Arts*,* NYU Shanghai | 2020.3 - 2020.12
Conceptualized and created a "Remember Me Digitally," a 7-day multi-media exhibition addressing the topic of death and legacy in the digital age. The exhibition utilized VR, digital fabrication, electronic crafting, and website construction to explore how digital media can reshape our understanding of memory and legacy. It featured immersive VR experiences to simulate post-mortem digital presence, interactive installations using electronic crafting to depict digital legacies, and a comprehensive website to document and share the exhibition’s themes and works. This project won the “Most Popular Project” award at the Fall 2020 NYU Shanghai Undergraduate Research Expo and Poster Competition, highlighting its impact and resonance with the audience.
Outreach Director
Harvard Conflux | 2024.3 - ongoing
- Led outreach efforts to connect the community with external resources and opportunities by establishing partnerships with global institutions such as MIT, MassArt, Northeastern University, New York University, SVA, and Stockholm Art Gallery.
- Developed and implemented strategies for organizing workshops, mentorship programs, exhibitions, and conference awards to promote community engagement and participation in Conflux activities. Oversee the planning and execution of high-quality events to ensure strong community engagement and participation.
- Curated and managed international exhibitions, including a current project in Stockholm, Sweden, providing a platform for the community to showcase their work globally.
Art-tech Residency Director & Project Mentor
Harvard Conflux | 2024.11 - 2024.3
- Directed the Harvard Conflux 2024 Winter Residency, themed “Symbiotic Perception”. integrating art and technology in a pioneering two-week program for approximately 15 undergraduates, spanning disciplines such as Computer Science, Robotics - Ecologies, Neuroscience, Biology, Architecture and Urban Planning/Design, History and Literature, and Mathematics.
- Established collaborations with leading artists and academics from various instituions worldwide, including MIT Media Lab and NYU Tisch School of the Arts, School of Visual Arts, Northeastern University, enhancing the residency with artist talks, technical workshops, field trips, and a mentorship program.
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive project-based curriculum tailored for non-art majors, emphasizing interactive media art, including creative programming, interactive installations, and bio design. Conducted a hands-on workshops on physical computing and interaction art, offered office hours, providing personalized guidance and fostering a supportive and creative learning environment.
- Led the curation of the residency exhibition, including project management, hosting events, coordinating with artists and participants, and creating visual assets for social media and the residency website to showcase the convergence of art and technology.
Fabrication Lab Assistant
Fabrication Lab, NYU Shanghai | 2021.7 - 2022.6
- Delivered personalized and expert one-on-one digital fabrication support to students, facilitating their proficiency in using laser cutting machines, 3D printers, and other relevant equipment.
- Led the design and construction of a dedicated long-term exhibition space using woodshop fabrication techniques, specifically tailored for showcasing exceptional student projects.
Visual Designer
Interactive Media, NYU Abu Dhabi | 2021.7 - 2022.6
- Created high-quality promotional posters and flyers for departmental events on a weekly basis, employing industry-standard design software such as Procreate and Adobe Illustrator.
- Spearheaded the conceptualization and execution of engaging 2D designs for the Interactive Media Department's highly anticipated public end-of-semester show, showcasing innovative artistic visions and technical aptitude.
Creative Design Intern
Product Designer