-Hi, I'm Forrest! 👋-

I'm a recent graduate of Duke University and Duke Kunshan University, where I majored in Computation and Design with a track in computer science as a Richard H. Brodhead Global Scholar. This fall, I'll begin my graduate studies in computer science at Dartmouth College to continue exploring the intersections of technology, design, and social impact.With interests in data and its role shaping society, my undergraduate capstone project leveraged sentiment analysis and natural language processing to analyze political discourse across social media platforms during the 2024 U.S. presidential election.My professional experience has been marked by research in edge intelligence, where I've researched decentralized applications of AI in robotics at Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan, China.

experience
about me

-Experience-

professional

        • Summer 2025: Software Engineer Intern @ Buxton Consulting
        • Summer 2023: Research Assistant Intern @ Huazhong University, School of Computer Science & Technology
        • 2019-2020: Global Campaign & Marketing Intern @ Crowdera
        • 2019-2020: Product & User Testing Intern @ TTYL

leadership

        • 2024-2025: Varsity Men's Volleyball Captain @ Duke Kunshan University, Athletics
        • 2023-2025: Student Representative @ Duke Kunshan University, Divison of Natural and Applied Science
        • 2018-2021: Regional Manager @ CodeDay Bay Area

other

        • Code Evangelist® @ CodeDay, formerly SRND & StudentRND
        • Director of Business & Marketing @ HackGuild, formerly HAX
        • Advancement @ Project: Website
        • Outreach Director @ FrontierHacks
        • Brand Ambassador @ TechTogether New York
        • Outreach Director @ OmniHacks
        • Outreach Director @ MatadorHacks

-Portfolio-

projects

Sentiment Analysis on Instagram and X for the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election – Capstone Project
Python (pandas, NumPy, NLTK, TextBlob, NetworkX, Folium, scikit-learn, Matplotlib, Seaborn, WordCloud, Plotly)
Scraped 57,000+ posts from Instagram and X using hashtags and trending searches to effectively communicate insights and stimulate discussions on the increasing polarization within the electorate.Advanced Machine Learning Techniques for Image Recognition & Decentralized Learning
Python (NumPy, TensorFlow, Keras)
Self-learned image recognition using convolutional neural networks, reinforcement learning, and federated learning. Explored different reinforcement learning methods, specifically Q-learning, Policy Gradients, and Deep Q-networks, to have agents interact with environments through trial and error.Impact of Manischewitz’s Rebranding
Python (pandas, NumPy, NLTK Vader, TextBlob, Matplotlib)
Dissected consumer sentiment on Manischewitz's 2024 rebranding by processing social media comments and news articles.Predicting Features on Exam Performance
Python (pandas, NumPy, scikit-learn, Matplotlib)
Evaluated the impact of socioeconomic factors on math, reading, and writing exam scores through linear regression, logistic regression, decision tree, random forest, and support vector machine supervised learning models.Night Light with IoT Technology
C++ (ArduinoJson)
A fully color customizable NodeMCU ESP8266 powered night light containing sensors that detect environmental parameters using IoT technology. Software created in Arduino IDE and hosted on the Cayenne IoT platform.Smart Schedule
JavaScript (JSON, jQuery), HTML/CSS
Web application that produces an efficient schedule using the Pomodoro Technique based on user inputs.

-About Me-

hobbies

Sports: Golf, Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball, Skiing,
Bouldering, Spikeball, Hiking.

Photography: Landscapes, Landmarks, Cars.

Travel: Museums, Cafe-Hopping.

making sense of it all

Growing up in California, my understanding of my family’s Cantonese culture was limited to the traditions my nuclear family preserved. Seeking a deeper connection, I pursued a Sino-foreign education at Duke Kunshan University—a reversal of the more common journey of students moving from China to the U.S. for higher education.The curiosity that led me to DKU began in elementary school with a LEGO MINDSTORMS kit. To me, Legos were more than toys; they were a gateway to comprehending how components fit together to form complex systems. Each challenge was an opportunity to construct a whole from carefully aligned parts. This foundational mindset propelled me toward experiences that blend rigor with problem-solving.My introduction to programming didn’t happen in traditional classrooms but at local hackathons, where the intense pressure to pitch a functional project in 24 hours sparked something profound in me. This 'trial-by-fire' approach reshaped how I approached teamwork, as the need to adapt quickly, think creatively, and rely on others’ strengths taught me the power of collective resilience and resourcefulness.Within my formal studies in China, I had a multitude of opportunities to collaborate with peers from different tracks in my thematic courses, which became a vessel for integrating our specializations to tackle multifaceted problems. My classes demonstrated how interdisciplinary approaches translated abstract concepts into tangible solutions, illustrating how computational tools address societal challenges.Returning to the U.S. for graduate school, I feel the convergence of my desire to reconnect with my roots and contribute to technological advancements. I will harness the unique perspectives and experiences I've gained in China, particularly regarding AI development and governmental approaches to technology policy, to inform my studies. The challenges I've overcome have instilled in me a determination to push the boundaries of technology by advancing a globally aware and ethically grounded advancement of AI.

miscellaneous thoughts

Friendship, like any meaningful experience, is built through a series of interactions, where each touchpoint shapes the bonds we share. Inspired by the journey maps we explored in class, I set out this week to visualize my daily interactions with friends, actively reflecting on the emotional highs and lows that make these connections meaningful.
This week was a blur of balancing schoolwork and social activities, yet through it all, I felt immense gratitude. Whether it was celebrating a birthday, saying goodbye to a friend of two years, or simply enjoying on-campus activities together, each moment felt significant.
Friendships aren’t static; they are inherently dynamic and ever-evolving. A casual text, a deep conversation, or even a moment of conflict and resolution all add new layers to the relationship. Recognizing these stages helped me stay present and cherish all my shared moments.

In an era where the internet is increasingly shaping our understanding of culture and history, the relationship between digital and historic art forms an opportunity for dialogue about how we preserve, interpret, and experience artistic expression.
What does this mean for our collective identity and the way we interact with history and creativity?The power of digital media lies in its accessibility and adaptability. Historical sites, once bound by their geographic locations, can now be experienced through digital reconstructions, virtual tours, and augmented reality overlays. This fusion allows us to engage with history dynamically, layering modern interpretations over traditional artifacts. However, as these experiences become more immersive, the question arises: does digital replication diminish the authenticity of historical spaces, or does it enhance their accessibility and preservation?Historical cultural sites, whether century-old temples or gardens, serve as tangible connections to our past. Unlike digital art, which exists in pixels, these sites carry the weight of human hands that built and designed them across generations. They are imbued with historical memory, serving as physical manifestations of cultural identity and architectural beauty.
Architecture, in particular, reflects the values and aesthetics of different periods. Xiangmen in Suzhou, contrasted against the modern skyscrapers that litter Suzhou's skyline, tell distinct stories about technological progress, artistic preferences, and even social structures. As cities evolve, blending historical sites with contemporary architectural elements, they create a layered narrative of artistic and cultural evolution.Perhaps the answer lies in balance. Digital art and historical cultural sites are not in competition but in conversation. Each offers unique advantages in preserving and interpreting human creativity. While digital media provides accessibility, fluidity, and innovation, physical sites offer authenticity, permanence, and a direct connection to the past. Together, they create a comprehensive narrative of artistic evolution, ensuring that history and modernity coexist in an ever-evolving cultural landscape.

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