Caryn Thiên Ngân Tran

I study how people learn computer science and how technology shapes the way we think. I’m especially interested in why people often believe some programming tools are more “real” than others, and how those beliefs develop through classroom experiences. My work spans artificial intelligence, education, and human–computer interaction.

Earlier in my career and alongside my PhD work, I have worked on machine learning problems across several areas, including time-series modeling for dynamical systems, 6D object pose detection in computer vision, speaker diarization in speech processing, and multi-agent reinforcement learning. These experiences shaped how I think about both technical systems and the people who use them.

Before starting my PhD at Northwestern University, I graduated from UC Berkeley with my BA and MS in Computer Science. I worked as an engineer. I was also a middle school teacher during the pandemic.

Right now I’m studying Mandarin in Taiwan at National Cheng Kung University, which has given me a new perspective on language, learning, and culture. Outside of research, I enjoy exploring new places through food, walking around cities, and dancing.