A warm welcome to Dr Zheng Yuan who joins the School of Computer Science

Dr Zheng Yuan joins us in her role as Senior Lecturer in Natural Language Processing.

Dr Zheng Yuan

Dr Zheng Yuan recently joined the School of Computer Science, so we asked her some questions to get to know her a little better. 

What are your key areas of research? 

ZY: My research focuses on machine learning for natural language processing (NLP), with a strong emphasis on real-world applications in education, creativity, healthcare, and social science. I am especially interested in developing language technologies that help people learn, communicate, and create more effectively. A central theme of my work is bridging cutting-edge AI research with human-centred, practical applications that address meaningful societal challenges. I also explore multilingual and multimodal models to support diverse users and settings, with particular interest in language learning, creativity, and knowledge transfer across domains and cultures.

Did something in particular draw you to this research field?

ZY: Yes, I have always been fascinated by how language shapes the way we learn, think, and create. When I discovered how machine learning and NLP can help model and improve human language use at scale, with tangible societal impact, I was drawn to this exciting, interdisciplinary field.


Why did you want to pursue a career in academia and, in particular, in Computer Science?

ZY: I was motivated by the intellectual freedom academia offers — the chance to explore challenging, curiosity-driven questions while working alongside brilliant colleagues and students. Computer Science, especially NLP, provides a space where research can translate into real-world impact, helping people and communities in meaningful ways.

What is your favourite thing about teaching the next generation of computer scientists?

ZY: I love seeing students’ excitement when they solve a challenging problem or come up with a creative idea. Helping them build confidence, curiosity, and critical thinking is incredibly rewarding.
 

What attracted you to working at The University of Sheffield?

ZY: Sheffield offers a vibrant, collaborative research environment with world-leading expertise in NLP and AI. Its reputation for excellence, combined with strong interdisciplinary connections and a supportive academic community, makes it an ideal place to conduct impactful research. Not to mention, Sheffield is home to one of the largest and most active NLP groups in Europe, providing exciting opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and mentoring the next generation of researchers.

And finally, do you have any hobbies or interests that you would like to share? 

ZY: I’m a keen theatre-goer and enjoy both contemporary and classic productions. I also love traveling - from spontaneous city breaks to exploring more remote and exotic places, as these experiences let me see the world through different lenses and often spark fresh inspiration.