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Yifan Xu Miller

Postdoctoral Researcher, Northeastern University
Chapter Member: Boston SSN
Areas of Expertise:

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About Yifan

Miller's research focuses on the organizational and social dimensions of emerging technology, including work practices and collaboration dynamics in technology design and deployment. Drawing on participatory ethnographic fieldwork in robotics labs, cross-disciplinary science teams, and underserved communities, Miller examines the social construction of machine autonomy, displacement of human care labor in AI development, and invisible organizational work in interdisciplinary science. Miller co-founded the Critical Technology Studies research group at Northeastern's Center for Design.

Contributions | No Jargon Podcast | Member Spotlight | In the News | Publications

Contributions

Who’s Actually Running That Robot?

Commentary,

In the News

Opinion: "Harvey Reminded Us of the Power of the Colorado River," Yifan Xu Miller (with Keri K. Stephens), Institute for a Disaster Resilient Texas at Texas A&M University, November 17, 2022.

Publications

"Beyond Metrics: Toward a Process Understanding of Invisible Labor in Cross-Disciplinary Convergence Science" (with Emily Norman, Keri K. Stephens, and Elliott Hauser). (Forthcoming).
"Envisioning a Better World of Human And Technology: Theoretical and Empirical Considerations to Connect Communication Scholarship to Ethical Technology Design" Annals of the International Communication Association 48, no. 1 (2024): 1–16.

Considers how insights from communication scholarship can inform the design of more ethical and socially responsible technologies. Advocates for technology development that accounts for human relationships, values, and communication practices in order to create technologies that better serve individuals and society.

"Rectifying a Flood Data Desert One Step at a Time: A Co-Created, Engaged Scholarship Approach" (with Keri K. Stephens, Samanta Varela Castro, Andrew Juan, Nicholas Diaz, Russell Blessing, and Samuel D. Brody). Journal of Applied Communication Research 52, no. 3 (2024): 421–434.

Addresses the problem of limited or missing data about underserved communities and the challenges this creates for research and decision-making. Illustrates how community-driven approaches to data collection can produce more relevant information and help ensure that local knowledge and priorities are reflected in the evidence base.

"Accomplishing Robotic Autonomy: The Complexities of Sociotechnical Care and Agency in the Laboratory" (with Elliott Hauser). Human-Machine Communication 9, no. 1 (2024): 143–166.

Explores how robotic autonomy is achieved and maintained within laboratory settings and the human relationships that support these technologies. Reveals that robotic agency depends not only on technical capabilities but also on the ongoing care, coordination, and social interactions that enable robots to function effectively.

"Moving Toward Community Preparedness Efficacy: Uncovering Barriers in Communities Disproportionately Impacted by Flooding" (with Keri K. Stephens, Nancy H. Carlson, Katherine E. Lieberknecht, and Fernanda Leite). Journal of Contingencies and Crisis Management 32, no. 1 (2024): 1-14.

Investigates the barriers that prevent flood-prone communities from effectively preparing for and responding to flooding events. Finds that social, economic, and informational challenges can limit community preparedness, emphasizing the need for strategies that strengthen resilience in disproportionately affected communities.