Profile

Hao is a lecturer at Information Systems and Operations Group at Newcastle University Business School. She holds a M.Sc. in Management Science from University College London, UK, and a Ph.D. in Management Science from Cardiff University, UK.

Grounded in the dual-process framework of Daniel Kahneman’s Thinking, Fast and Slow (2011), Dr. Hao’s research examines the interaction between intuitive (System 1) and analytical (System 2) thinking within human–AI collaboration. Situated at the nexus of operations research, decision science, and applied psychology, her work seeks to enhance how humans and AI systems make joint decisions in complex, uncertain environments. By integrating mathematical optimization, advanced algorithmic design, and behavioural insights, she develops frameworks that strengthen algorithmic performance, decision transparency, and human trust in AI-assisted processes. Her overarching aim is to build adaptive, cognitively aligned AI systems that augment human judgment and improve decision-making across critical sectors such as agri-food, healthcare, mining, and intelligent transportation.

Technical Expertise

AI Analytics

• Sequential Decision Optimization
• Deep Learning and Neural Network Design
• Explainable and Trustworthy AI
• Prompt Engineering for Large Language Models & Sentiment Analysis
• Computer Vision

Decision Analytics

• Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis and Preference Learning
• Decision Support Systems and Interactive Optimization
• Game-Theoretic Modelling of Human–AI Collaboration
• Behavioural Operations and Cognitive Bias Mitigation

City Logistics & Autonomous Driving: Human-in-the-loop systems for intelligent, adaptive urban mobility.

Operations Research & Mathematical Optimization: Advanced modelling and optimization for complex decision environments.

Explainable AI & Machine Learning: Interpretable, data-driven algorithms for dynamic and uncertain contexts.

Human–AI Collaborative Decision-Making: Integrating cognitive psychology with algorithmic optimization to enhance shared intelligence and trust.

Research Methods - NBS8062 & NBS8372

Operations Analytics - NBS8643