Wohn Named Inaugural Chair of New Department of Technology, AI and Society

Donghee Yvette Wohn has been appointed the inaugural chair of the new Department of Technology, AI and Society (DTAS) in the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, effective September 1, 2026. Wohn's research on the topics of human-computer interaction (HCI), artificial intelligence and online social behavior have earned her a national and international reputation as a leading voice in the field.

The new department, which was launched by a $5 million SUNY grant over a three-year period, will expand the university's research and educational focus to meet the challenges and opportunities at the intersection of artificial intelligence and societal impact.

Wohn comes to Stony Brook University from the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), where she was a faculty member and served as PhD director of the Department of Informatics and director of the Social Interaction Lab. Wohn previously held research and teaching appointments in the social media lab at Northwestern University, the Department of Media and Information at Michigan State University, and the Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society at Harvard University.

Prior to academia, Wohn covered the science and technology beat for the International Herald Tribune (now the International New York Times). She also founded and led her own company, Wohn Media.

"After an extensive search, we are excited to welcome Professor Wohn to lead our Department of Technology, AI and Society," said Andrew Singer, dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences. "She brings a rare combination of strengths to this role: a human-computer interaction researcher who has led multi-country research units in informatics and social media, paired with the instincts of a trained journalist and communications professional. That blend is exactly what our new department needs to carry it into this new AI frontier."

As chair, Wohn will position the Department of Technology, AI and Society to address some of the most consequential transformations of our time. Wohn said, "We will explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the economy, culture and society itself."

Wohn's work encompasses a variety of research areas in the field of HCI, including: content moderation and online harassment in online communities, digital patronage, online self-presentation and identity, and user-generated AI content on social media.

At NJIT, Wohn was honored for both her research and her teaching, and the National Center for Women & Information Technology recognized her for her impact on undergraduate research mentoring. She has also served on the advisory board of the Bergen County Technical Schools.

"I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Wohn to Stony Brook as the inaugural chair of our new Department of Technology, AI, and Society," said Carl W. Lejuez, provost and executive vice president. "With significant support from New York State, Stony Brook has created one of the first departments of its kind in the country. As inaugural chair, Professor Wohn will shape its intellectual identity, culture, and trajectory. Her experience as a communication scholar and commitment to interdisciplinary exploration make her exceptionally well suited to build upon Stony Brook's strengths and welcome diverse perspectives.

"This work cannot be done in isolation, and I look forward to collaborating with other units on campus, to bring a truly interdisciplinary perspective to our teaching and research," said Wohn.

She held visiting appointments at LG Electronics and the Institute for Basic Science, both in South Korea.

Wohn is a member of the Association for Computing Machinery and International Communication Association, and held past memberships in the National Communication Association, Korean American Communication Association, and Association for Education in Journalism & Mass Communication.

She holds degrees from Michigan State University, Harvard University and Ewha Womans University in South Korea.

Students at the undergraduate and graduate level can declare a major in the Department of Technology, AI and Society starting next year. Classes have already begun in the new department, as has the hiring process for faculty.

"Generative AI presents distinctive challenges and opportunities for how we live, work, and experience society, demanding thoughtful, interdisciplinary engagement. Under Professor Wohn's leadership, DTAS will strengthen the community of AI researchers and innovators across our campus and help position Stony Brook as an international leader in both AI innovation and its responsible use." said Lejuez.