Emelia Hughes home
Emelia Hughes smiling in front of greenery

a little about me

Hello! I’m Emelia ⭐

I’m a PhD Candidate in Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Notre Dame, working in social computing and human-computer interaction.

My research focuses on algorithmically mediated communities, identity, visibility, social perception, online influence, and platform design. Before Notre Dame, I earned a BS in Informatics with an HCI focus and a BA in Drawing & Painting from the University of Washington.

the polished version

Emelia Hughes is a social computing researcher pursuing a PhD in Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Notre Dame. Her research examines how algorithmically curated platforms shape online communities, belonging, visibility, and public discourse—especially how people come to recognize socially meaningful groups before explicit membership or interpersonal ties exist.

Her current work investigates event-based communities and gendered spectacles on TikTok, including the annual phenomenon of #RushTok, as well as echo chambers and information brokers on Truth Social. Her broader research has explored credibility signals on YouTube and the spread of identity-based misinformation through the #SaveTheChildren movement. Her work has appeared at ACM CHI, CSCW, and the Association of Internet Researchers.

Emelia is a Notre Dame–IBM Technology Ethics Fellow, Remick Graduate Fellow, and Graduate Justice Fellow. At Notre Dame, she also teaches courses on generative AI, technology ethics, and computing. She holds degrees in Human-Computer Interaction and Drawing and Painting from the University of Washington. Across her research and teaching, she asks how digital systems might support more equitable recognition, meaningful participation, and humane forms of social life online.

Beyond the research 🌿

When I’m away from my desk, I’m usually painting, figure skating, knitting or sewing, tending to plants, or planning a trip. Robotics was a big part of my time at UW and remains a meaningful piece of my technical and personal background. I currently serve on the 501(c)(3) board for Advanced Robotics at the University of Washington (ARUW).

Emelia with the Advanced Robotics at the University of Washington team

selected creative work

Art & painting 🎨

My background in drawing and painting informs the way I approach design, interpretation, and visual communication. Here is a small selection from a much larger body of work.

Painting of a greenhouse interior with windows, plants, and a small yellow duck
Watercolor view of Hampton Court gardens
Painting exploring reflected light and interior space
Painting of a warmly lit living room
Figurative painting of family life in a domestic space
Painting of a figure reflected in a Psyche mirror