About
I am a PhD student at the Department of Recreation, Sport and Tourism, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, advised by Prof. Monika Stodolska.
My research explores the intersections of technology, leisure, and well-being, with particular attention to how emerging digital technologies shape emotional experiences and social relationships. Currently, my research conceptualizes AI companionship as a novel form of digital leisure, exploring how people use, experience, and interpret AI for emotional and recreational purposes. Previously, I studied digital nomadism from the family perspective, focusing on the implications of highly mobile lifestyles for family leisure and family quality of life. Please feel free to reach out to me at yan65@illinois.edu
Current Work
Conference Presentations
Olivia Yan Huang & Monika Stodolska (advisor). (Feb 2026). The Role of Leisure in Fostering a Sense of Home and Belonging in Digital Nomad Families. Presentation at the Academy of Leisure Sciences (TALS) 2026.
Manuscripts Under Review
Olivia Yan Huang & Monika Stodolska (advisor). (Feb 2026). The Role of Leisure in Fostering a Sense of Home and Belonging in Digital Nomad Families. International Journal of the Sociology of Leisure.
Manuscript in Progress
Olivia Yan Huang & Monika Stodolska. Family leisure and Family Quality of Life among Digital Nomad Families. Target Journal: Journal of Leisure Sciences.
Selected Publications
View All →An exploration of the associations between perceived physical and psychological benefits of Chinese yoga leisure participants—A qualitative approach
H Liu, M Gao, Y Huang†, Y Zhou
Journal of Leisure Research
From serious leisure to devotee work: An exploratory study of yoga
H Liu, Y Huang†, M Gao, R Stebbins
Leisure Studies
News
Starting Research Assistant position at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign
Starting Teaching Assistant position at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign
Starting my PhD life at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign 🎉
Published 'An exploration of the associations between perceived physical and psychological benefits of Chinese yoga leisure participants—A qualitative approach' in Journal of Leisure Research
Published 'From serious leisure to devotee work: An exploratory study of yoga' in Leisure Studies