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-Hi, I'm Forrest! 👋-

I'm a graduate student studying computer science at Dartmouth College, building on my undergraduate studies at Duke Kunshan University, where I majored in computer science as a Richard H. Brodhead Global Scholar.With interests in data and its role shaping society, my undergraduate capstone project leveraged sentiment analysis and natural language processing to examine political discourse on social media during the 2024 U.S. presidential election.My professional experience is marked by full-stack development at Buxton Consulting and research in edge intelligence, where I've contributed to the decentralized applications of AI in robotics at Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan, China.

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• field notes

© 2019-2025 forrest leung

© 2019-2025 forrest leung

My name and the multitude of tree-related nicknames my friends call me have always carried a quiet undertone of the natural world, and often I’ve found myself seeking out spaces where I can observe and reflect.Field Notes is a place where I record those moments: observations shaped by being in tune with myself or the fleeting thoughts I often let dissipate. Preserving them allows me to see patterns in how I think, what I value, and how I make sense of the environments I'm in.

making sense of it all: the pipeline to graduate school

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 bring with me the unique perspective and experiences I've gained in China, particularly regarding AI development and governmental approaches to technology policy, which now inform my academic direction. 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 growth of AI and robotics.

are we rewriting history through digitization?

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, tells 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.

© 2019-2025 forrest leung