Bio
Jiawen Mao (she/her) is a spatial audio researcher, recording engineer, audio programmer, and sound designer who is passionate about reimagining traditional music experiences for immersive and interactive media such as virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR). Aiming to bridge the gap between objective acoustic attributes and perceived auditory immersion and presence, her research approach combines both theoretical and practical knowledge of spatial audio and utilizes tools from diverse disciplines including multichannel audio capture and reproduction, critical listening, psychoacoustics, machine listening, and generative audio.
Prior to joining the Performing Arts Technology department as a Ph.D. student, Jiawen received a Master of Music degree in Music Technology from New York University with a thesis on native first-order Ambisonic sample library recording and sampler plugin development. She has also trained in the Tonmeister practices with multiple Grammy award-nominated recording engineers and researchers, an experience that has profoundly shaped her research philosophy.
