Nan Zhao is a machine learning scientist leading the ML team at Tulip Interfaces, where her expertise drives advancements in AI for manufacturing. Prior to this role, she made significant contributions as a research scientist at MIT and founded the smart city startup Soofa. Nan’s work seamlessly blends engineering and human-centered design, backed by a Ph.D. in Media Arts and Sciences from MIT and a Dipl.-Ing. degree in Electrical Engineering from RWTH Aachen University, where she graduated with honors. Her pioneering Ph.D. research on responsive environments, harnessing sensor technology, reflects her dedication to shaping a transformative future.