About me

Hi, I’m Zhenyao (Gary) Dou. I’m someone who enjoys building useful things and thinking carefully about how people interact with technology. I’m especially drawn to work that sits between human needs and practical solutions, where design, communication, and thoughtful problem-solving all matter.

I like improving things step by step. That could mean refining an idea, making a workflow clearer, or finding a more practical way to approach a problem. I enjoy work that requires patience, structure, and attention to detail, but I also value curiosity and openness when learning something new.

Looking ahead, I hope to continue building a career in higher education through teaching- and research-related work. I am particularly interested in roles connected with student learning, educational technology, and academic practice, where research and teaching can inform each other in meaningful ways.

Outside of work and study, I enjoy staying active and spending time outdoors. Hiking, long walks, and exploring new places help me reset and think more clearly. Badminton is also one of my regular ways to stay balanced and focused.

I’m also a long-time Star Trek fan. I enjoy stories about cooperation, discovery, and building better futures. That way of thinking has shaped how I see both technology and research: not only as tools for solving problems, but also as ways to create more thoughtful and meaningful systems.

If you’d like to connect, collaborate, or have a conversation about technology, learning, or ideas in progress, feel free to reach out by email or LinkedIn.