About Me

I am Liang “Charles” Lyu, a fourth-year PhD student at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), in the Laboratory for Information and Decision Systems (LIDS) within the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS). I am advised by Professors Asu Ozdaglar and Dan Huttenlocher.

Previously, I graduated from Duke University in 2020 with a B.S. degree in Computer Science and Mathematics, where I worked with Professors Kamesh Munagala and Brandon Fain.

Here is my latest CV (updated March 2026).

Research Interests

I am a decision-theoretic and empirical researcher who studies how information systems and algorithmic recommendations influence human decisions, using Bayesian modeling, causal inference and experiments.

My recent work focuses on impacts of AI and algorithms: how they shape information dissemination and decision-making for humans, and how they should be designed to complement humans and mitigate harms. Specific topics include human-AI collaboration, how AI models affect online knowledge contribution, and how they can be used to combat misinformation. Additionally, I am also interested in online platforms and markets, particularly interactions between platforms, users, creators and content.

I employ a mix of theoretical and empirical approaches in understanding these issues. I develop models that capture the behavior of humans and algorithms, rooted in decision theory, behavioral economics and theoretical computer science. I also conduct data analysis and experiments on real-world human behavior.

Previously, I have also worked on algorithmic fairness.

Contacts

Email: lianglyu at mit.edu

Address:
77 Massachusetts Avenue, Room 32-D640
Cambridge, MA 02139

Notes about my name

This video shows the accurate pronunciation of my last name. However, I am fine with the more common pronunciation that’s akin to “liu” or “lew”, which 99% of people (regardless of nationality) will pronounce it as on their first try.

Feel free to call me Charles whenever possible.

This website was last updated on March 22, 2026.