Yu-Hao Lee

Yu-Hao Lee

Center for Public Interest Communications

Director of Research

Dr. Yu-Hao Lee studies the cognitive and emotional effects of immersive entertainment media such as video games, online streaming, and virtual reality. He also examines how to design immersive media experiences that promote better decision-making and prosocial behaviors.

He is passionate about seeking new ways to communicate complex stories and motivate prosocial behaviors. His research has examined the use of immersive technologies in various contexts, including using serious games to train intelligence analysts about cognitive biases and to improve law enforcement officers' deception detection skills. He has also examined using immersive technology to change attitudes toward climate change and refugees. As the research director of the Center for Public Interest Communications, he manages multiple projects with partners in the industry, foundations, and governments to generate research insights that promote public interest.

He has published over 60 articles in high-impact journals and several book chapters. His research has received top paper awards (ICA, AEJMC) and external grant support from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).