Meet KAUST prospective student: Zhenwen Liang

About

-By Taruna Rapaka 

Zhenwen Liang, 22, is a computer science graduate from the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC), China. Zhenwen will join KAUST in the fall of 2020 as a M.S./Ph.D. candidate and member of the Machine Intelligence and kNowledge Engineering research group under the supervision of Professor Xiangliang Zhang.

What was your main subject during your undergraduate degree? Why did you choose it?

Artificial Intelligence (AI). I think AI will be the leading technology of the future, and the combination of AI and other fields has tremendous potential. It is also interesting to write codes to solve some practical problems through AI methods.

Why have you chosen to study a M.S./Ph.D. at KAUST?

KAUST is a great place to do research. Everyone here enjoys research and is willing to collaborate. An excellent research atmosphere is a fundamental reason why KAUST has so many significant research outputs. Besides, my supervisor Prof. Xiangliang also gives me a lot of support.

When did your interest in computer science arise? What are your research interests?

My interest in computer science arose when I went to university and started my studies. I quickly realized computer science could solve many practical problems in industries with a high level of efficiency. Now I am focusing on AI research and machine learning and trying to combine AI with other research fields like chemistry.

What do you do in your spare time? What are you passionate about?

I enjoy playing sports like badminton, billiards and bowling. These activities help to keep me engaged. I also like playing online games like DOTA2 and CS: GO.

What is your future outlook?

I plan to be a postdoc after my Ph.D. graduation. Then I would like to work as a professor if possible.

Can you give a piece of advice to students who plan to pursue a M.S./Ph.D. at KAUST?

My advice to them is to never to stop learning, enjoy research, and keep your curiosity.