KAUST prospective student: Xingdi Zhang
Xingdi Zhang is a computer science graduate from the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC), China. Xingdi will join KAUST in the fall of 2020 as a M.S./Ph.D. candidate and member of the KAUST High-Performance Visualization Group under the supervision of Professor Markus Hadwiger.
About
-By Taruna Rapaka
Xingdi Zhang is a computer science graduate from the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC), China. Xingdi will join KAUST in the fall of 2020 as a M.S./Ph.D. candidate and member of the KAUST High-Performance Visualization Group under the supervision of Professor Markus Hadwiger.
What was your main subject during your undergraduate degree? Why did you choose it?
I majored in computer science because I like the way computers run. From my perspective, a computer system contains the best of human intelligence.
Why have you chosen to study a M.S./Ph.D. at KAUST?
I am drawn to KAUST as it maintains a collective of world-renown researchers in a cutting-edge research environment. Additionally, KAUST's Computer Science Division is known for excellence in my intended research area, exemplified by the fact it maintains the famous super-computer Shaheen II. As a member of the High-Performance Visualization Group, I will gain first-hand exposure to the fields of parallel computing and visualization, which aligns well with my intended research area.
When did your interest in computer science arise? What are your research interests?
I found my interest in computer science when a paper I worked on was featured at an international conference, and I got a great sense of accomplishment and joy. I work in areas, including computer vision, computer graphics, and parallel computing.
What do you do in your spare time? What are you passionate about?
I enjoy swimming and basketball. I am also passionate about programming; building an exciting game is my dream.
What is your future outlook?
I plan to dedicate my career to research in parallel computing and the computer graphics field, serving as a thought leader for these domains.
Can you give a piece of advice to students who plan to pursue a M.S./Ph.D. at KAUST?
They should work hard to pursue what they want. I plan to dedicate my career to research, so KAUST is a great place to collaborate with others and achieve accomplishments in my research area.
