Tianzhi He

Welcome!

About Me

I am an Assistant Professor in the School of Civil & Environmental Engineering and Construction Management at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UT San Antonio), within the Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design. I earned my Ph.D. from the Charles Edward Via, Jr. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Virginia Tech, where I was advised by Dr. Farrokh Jazizadeh in the Inform Lab.

My research explores how Ambient Intelligence (AmI) systems in smart environments can better serve human needs by integrating data-driven reasoning, physiological sensing, and intelligent interfaces. In particular, I focus on:

• Designing AI agents that proactively and transparently interact with users to support well-being in built environments;
• Leveraging wearable technologies to infer human physiological and mental states in real time;
• Investigating how trust in human–AI interaction can be designed, evaluated, and maintained in intelligent environments.

The overarching goal of this work is to enhance human comfort, energy efficiency, and quality of life in smart buildings—while preserving user autonomy and fostering trust.

My broader interests span across Ambient Intelligence (AmI), Smart Homes, Conversational AI Agents, Wearable Sensors, Human–AI Trust, and Mixed Reality (VR/AR).

I received my Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management from Tongji University in Shanghai, China (2019).

Ambient Intelligence Lab (AmI-Lab)

I direct the Ambient Intelligence Lab (AmI-Lab). Our group investigates how AI agents, wearable sensors, and smart environments can work together to create healthier, more comfortable, and energy-efficient living and working spaces.
We welcome students and collaborators who share interests in AI, smart buildings, and human-centered design.

Join Us

I am always looking for motivated graduate and undergraduate students interested in AI, smart environments, and human–computer interaction.
If you are interested in working with me, please contact me via email (tianzhi.he@utsa.edu) with your CV and a short description of your research interests.