Hello and Welcome!
My name is Xiaotong (pronounced: shaw tone) Du, or 杜晓彤 in Chinese. I am a first-generation college student born and raised in the city of Xuzhou in China. After earning my double master's degrees from Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, GA, I kept asking a question: "How can I contribute to a sustainable future as a User Experience (UX) researcher and designer?"

To seek the answer, I'm currently a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Library and Information Science at Rutgers University's School of Communication and Information. My research lies at the intersection of environmental and social sustainability and human information behavior and practice. My research has focused on opportunities and challenges older adults encountered when using tablet PCs during the COVID-19 pandemic and the information needs, seek, and use of green or sustainable food consumers in their everyday food practices.

Prevously, I interned as a UX researcher and designer at Colgate-Palmolive, USA and Sogou, China. Now, I teach Human Information Behavior (HIB) in the Master of Information program at Rutgers. I also serve as a Teaching Assistant Project (TAP) coordinator and a member of the Dining Services and Food Vendors Climate Action Group at Rutgers University.

Outside of my academic and professional life, I cherish moments spent with my family and friends. I love exploring local farmers' markets and thrift stores, hiking, traveling, and enjoying cooking with my partner. In quieter times, I find peace and joy in learning the piano keyboard.

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