The Hengen Lab
Jan 2024 - Present
Data Analysis and Classification of Animals in Complex Settings
- Implemented DeepLabCut pipeline to automate mice tracking in behavioral videos, reducing processing
time from weeks to 3 days, and demonstrated core technical skills, including Python, DeepLabCut, YOLO,
XGBoost, Transformers, t-SNE/UMAP, and data visualization throughout the research process
- Developed data labeling and verification system to improve the training of data set quality for
computer vision models
- Optimized XGBoost and Transformer models for behavior classification, achieving better accuracy
through hyperparameter tuning
- Created YOLO-based cockroach tracking system using newly annotated datasets, significantly improving
the detection reliability
- Designed unsupervised learning pipeline (t-SNE/UMAP) to identify novel mouse hunting strategies from
behavioral data
- Built data visualization tools, including interactive website for conference presentations (NEXTEN
2024)
- Assisted in neural recordings analysis for Alzheimer’s research using DCC and d2 metrics of the
brain criticality hypothesis to predict disease progression
- Participated in development of d2 python algorithm, optimization, and benchmarking. Corrected major
error in the current algorithm that would yield near-critical result with both non-critical and
near-critical nervous system. Improves d2 algorithm to enables it to function on substantial lower
variance datasets.
- Conducted surgical preparations including tetrode construction and post-operative animal monitoring
- Currently leading manuscript preparation for the expected preprint publication in November 2025
WashU Research
Aug 2024 - Dec 2024
Surgery and Neuron Activity Recordings
- Designed experiment procedure, hypothesis, gained outputs, and evaluations based on the
measurements.
- Performed mouse tracheostomy and cochlear electrode implantation surgery, successfully recording
auditory neural activity in anesthesia management along with team members
- Isolated bullfrog sciatic nerve through precise dissection, including decapitation, skinning, and
tissue removal to prepare for electrophysiological measurement
- Conducted crayfish tail ablation and recorded neuromuscular activity, analyzing the resultant
electrophysiological data
- Compiled surgical data into waveform graphs and co-authored three detailed manuscripts analyzing
experimental findings and potential research directions
- Developed advanced surgical abilities and academic writing skills through repeated operations and
literature-based investigation
Tencent
Sep 2022 - Sep 2023
Tencent Quantum Lab Research Intern
- Researched current machine learning models and translated them into quantum ML models (such as
ensemble)
- Debugged code and ported the code for macOS computers and Metal (Apple Silicon API) support
- Researched error mitigation algorithm of raw physical quantum machines (such as HAMMER)
- Delivered lectures and designed assignments for understanding of quantum machine learning and
quantum computing fundamentals.
Tsinglan Bio-Adv Lab
Oct 2022 - Aug 2023
Synthesis and Evaluation of Melanin-Combine Photo-sensitizers
- Researched melanin-combined photosensitizers and synthesized melanin-combined photosensitizers
- Applied to Chinese herbal medicines and evaluated anti-bacterial effects with analysis of the SOSG
test
- Used techniques such as DNA sequencing, cell culture growing, PCR, and synthesis of melanin-combined
photosensitizers