Kaiang Wen
Kaiang Wen /kaɪˈɑŋ wən/

Ph.D. Student

Illinois Tech

Bio

I am a second-year Ph.D. student in Computer Science at Illinois Institute of Technology, working with Prof. Mark Roman Miller. I received my B.S. in Computer Science from Beijing Jiaotong University in 2023.

My research interest lies in the intersection of augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) and machine learning, aiming to understand user behaviour and mental states within VR environments. By leveraging advanced machine learning techniques, I seek to develop systems capable of interpreting and predicting nuanced user interactions, enhancing smooth human-computer interaction.

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Interests
  • Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality
  • Machine Learning
  • Computer Vision
Education

  • PhD Computer Science

    Illinois Institute of Technology

  • BSc Computer Science

    Beijing Jiaotong University

Research Projects
[Research Project] Understanding Cognitive States From Motion
[GitHub Project] VR Motion Tracker
[Research Paper] MambaReg: Mamba-Based Disentangled Convolutional Sparse Coding for Unsupervised Deformable Multi-Modal Image Registration
[Research Paper] Knowledge-Guided Gated Multitasking Network for Cervical Spine Degeneration Evaluation

Experience

  1. Research Assistant

    SSIL Lab, Illinois Institute of Technology

    Responsibilities include:

    • Designing and implementing VR applications in Unity3D, leveraging spatial computing and advanced motion planning on Oculus Quest to decode user behavior and cognitive states through motion dynamics.
    • Utilizing cutting-edge machine learning techniques to build intelligent systems that interpret and anticipate subtle cognitive states, advancing seamless human-computer interaction.
    • Conducting independent research initiatives encompassing participant recruitment, structured data collection, deep learning experimentation, and comprehensive result analysis.

  2. Lead Instructor

    Summer’24 National Coding Bootcamp, TCTM Kids IT Education

    TCTM offers quality IT education targeting students aged three to eighteen through a hybrid platform combining live instruction, classroom tutoring, and online learning. The company was founded in 2002, formerly known as Tarena International, Inc.

    Responsibilities include:

    • Led instruction for two intensive training camps, delivering seven classes to 210+ students aged 9 to 18, featuring an engaging, clear, and accessible teaching style.
    • Designed and taught a comprehensive curriculum spanning foundational C++ syntax to advanced algorithms and data structures, integrating cutting-edge computer technologies to inspire young students and cultivate their problem-solving skills.

  3. Research Intern

    Megvii Research (Formerly Face++)

    Responsibilities include:

    • Independently led a computer vision project that leveraged laser-illuminated wrist videos to estimate heart rate, integrating traditional digital image processing techniques with deep learning models to improve the accuracy of physiological measurements.
    • Investigated accelerating Neural Radiance Field (NeRF) training using PyTorch, improving computational efficiency in 3D scene reconstruction.

  4. Visiting Student

    VIPL Lab, Chinese Academy of Science

    Responsibilities include:

    • Researched on cervical spondylosis measurement using a U-Net-based model in PyTorch for segmentation and MMPose for pose estimation.
    • Achieved a 75% reduction in Cobb metric error (from 20° to 4.88°) through advanced image processing and model optimization, demonstrating expertise in computer vision and machine learning.
    • Collaborated with clinicians from Peking University Third Hospital to ensure accurate data labeling and validation.
    • Advisor: Prof. Xinhang Song

Education

  1. PhD Computer Science

    Illinois Institute of Technology

  2. BSc Computer Science

    Beijing Jiaotong University
Honors and Awards
Bronze Medal in 45th ICPC Asia Regional Programming Contest Jinan Site
∙ December 2020
Link. Achieved top performance in one of the world’s most prestigious programming competitions, showcasing problem-solving, algorithmic thinking, and teamwork under time constraints.
Silver Medal in 2020 China Collegiate Programming Contest (CCPC) Mianyang Site
∙ October 2020
Link. Excelled in the well-recognized and highly competitive programming contest requiring teamwork and innovation, demonstrating exceptional algorithmic problem-solving skills.
Grand Prize in 4th Changfeng Cup Big Data Analysis and Mining Competition
∙ December 2020
Link. Top 2/662. Led a team to win the grand prize in a well-recognized national competition focused on big data analysis and mining. Demonstrated exceptional skills in data analytics, machine learning, and problem-solving by developing an innovative solution to a complex real-life problem. Recognized for outstanding technical proficiency and effective teamwork.
First Place Recipient of the Technology Star Scholarship in School of Computer and Information Technology, BJTU
∙ November 2021
The highest honor for undergraduate students conducting disciplinary competitions and research innovations.
First Prize in 2020 Contemporary Undergraduate Mathematical Contest in Modeling, Beijing
∙ October 2020
Awarded first prize for developing a mathematical model to solve a real-world problem in a competitive, time-constrained environment. Demonstrated mathematical modeling skills, creative problem-solving, and teamwork.
Languages
90%
English
100%
Chinese (Mandarin)
90%
Cantonese