Rajiv Pennathur
User Experience Researcher, Expedia
Yuan Zhuang
Senior Manager, User Research, Expedia
FEBRUARY 19, 2026
4:30 P.M. – 5:20 P.M.
Sieg Building, room 134
Thriving in a Changing World
We live in a time of rapid change. Emerging technologies like AI, shifts in global markets, and evolving workplace norms can make the future feel uncertain. At the same time, personal milestones - like moving to a new city, starting a family, or pursuing further education - often intersect with professional transitions such as changing roles, adapting to hybrid work, or navigating organizational restructuring. These changes often don’t happen in isolation. They influence and amplify one another. Yet, the way we approach them isn’t all that different. Join us for a conversation as we talk about the changes we’ve experienced - both personally and professionally - and how Human Centered Design can help us approach them with clarity and confidence.
About the presenters
Rajiv Pennathur is a User Experience Researcher based in Seattle, currently working at Expedia. With a background in Computer Science, he began career as a UX Designer at a consultancy firm in Bangalore, India. By chance, he discovered his passion for UX Research - a realization that inspired him to transition from design to research. To deepen his expertise, Rajiv moved to the United States to pursue a master’s degree in Human-Centered Design & Engineering at the University of Washington, specializing in UX Research. Since joining Expedia in 2021, he has contributed to multiple teams, including Trips, Social Commerce & Influencer Strategy, and most recently, the Vacation Rentals arm of Expedia - Vrbo.
Yuan Zhuang is a seasoned user research professional dedicated to bridging the gap between businesses/organizations and their target users. Currently serving as a Senior Manager in User Research at Expedia, Yuan leads a team of researchers who are passionate about understanding users' mental models, behaviors, and pain points; and transforming research insights into actionable opportunities. At work, Yuan empowers her team to identify impactful research opportunities, streamlines processes for efficiency, and contributes to achieving better results within her team and the broader research community. Outside of work, Yuan enjoys traveling with her family, playing the piano, and taking walks with friends.
The UX Speaker Series is hosted Thursdays in winter quarter by the Department of Human Centered Design & Engineering at the University of Washington. Presentations are open to the public.
Depending on the speaker's preference, a recording will be posted to this webpage after the event. View the full schedule at hcde.uw.edu/ux.