A Holistic Approach to Developer-AI Collaboration
The world of software development is being transformed by Artificial Intelligence, but a focus on advancing AI’s capabilities can overlook the critical human element of software creation. “An AI that can write perfect code is useless if we can’t communicate our intent or understand the result,” Professor Nam explains. “My work focuses on that bridge between the human and the AI for software development.” As a researcher at the intersection of Software Engineering, Human-Computer Interaction, and AI, she uses this integrated viewpoint to ask the critical questions needed to foster truly effective collaboration between developers and their intelligent tools.
Understanding and Supporting the “Modern Developer”
Understanding how developers work, with and without AI, is the foundation of Professor Nam’s research. “You can’t build a better tool without first understanding the user,” she says. “That’s why I start by investigating their practices and frustrations.” Informed by her experience in industry research labs and direct engagement with software professionals, her research uncovers these real-world challenges, from classic problems like dealing with boilerplate code and browsing documentation, to newly emerging ones like crafting effective prompts.
Human-Centered AI for Developers
This deep understanding directly informs a core principle: we must build the tools that we should build, not just the ones we can. “In a field moving so quickly, it’s easy to focus only on what’s technologically possible,” she notes. “The harder, more important question is what is actually useful and for whom.” This philosophy guides her projects in designing tools to support developers at all levels, from students to professionals, with the critical tasks of writing, understanding, and testing code. Ultimately, she aims to create a future where building software is more accessible, efficient, and enjoyable for everyone, while ensuring the developer always remains in control.
Education
Ph.D., Software Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 2024
M.S., Computer Science, University of Southern California, 2018
B.S., Computer Science, Yonsei University, 2016
Research Areas
AI, ML and Natural Language Processing
Software Engineering and Systems
Human-Computer Interaction
“Software development is ultimately a human-centered act, driven by the need to create solutions for people.”
Assistant Professor
ISEB 2430
daye.nam@uci.edu