-Hi, I'm Forrest! 👋-

-Experience-

professional

Summer 2023: Research Assistant Intern @ Huazhong University, School of Computer Science & Technology
        • Conducted research in edge computing to explore its AI applications for the DJI RoboMaster University Championship.

2019-2020: Global Campaign & Marketing Intern @ Crowdera
        • Supported CEO directly in outreach & development efforts for the Thrive5 accelerator program.

2019-2020: Product & User Testing Intern @ TTYL
        • Worked alongside development teams to assist in product & user testing.

leadership

2023-Present: Student Representative @ Duke Kunshan University, Divison of Natural and Applied Science
        • Facilitate student input to DNAS Chairs and faculty to address student challenges and enhance experiences within the division.

2018-2021: Regional Manager @ CodeDay Bay Area
        • Led a team of 11 students and served as liaison between CDBA and 501(c)(3) nonprofit CodeDay.

other

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

-Portfolio-

projects

Sentiment Analysis & Data Visualization on 2024 U.S. Presidential Election – Capstone Project
Python (pandas, NumPy, NLTK Vader, Matplotlib)
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.

relevant coursework

Duke Kunshan University: Richard H. Brodhead Global Scholar
        • COMPSCI 201: Introduction to Programming & Data Structures
        • COMPSCI 205: Computer Organization & Programming
        • COMPSCI 306: Introduction to Operating Systems
        • COMPSCI 308: Design & Analysis of Algorithms
        • STATS 102: Introduction to Data Science
        • STATS 201: Introduction to Machine Learning for Social Science
        • STATS 202: Modeling & Predicting
        • MATH 205: Probability & Statistics
        • MINITERM 102: Automated Machine Learning
        • INFOSCI 102: Computation & Problem Solving
        • INFOSCI 103: Computation, Society & Culture
        • INFOSCI 104: Digital DesignDuke University:
        • COMPSCI 100: Introduction to Computer Science
        • COMPSCI 230: Discrete Math for Computer ScienceDe Anza College:
        • CIS 56: Network Security

-WOC106: Weekly Journals-

week 1 (jan 6-9): shanghai

In the first week of class, we were introduced to two frameworks through active learning that focused on empathy: empathy maps and intercultural communication competence (ICC).

Potential of Empathy Maps

As the first step in the design-thinking process, empathy maps resonate with me as a structured and flexible way to visualize user attitudes and behaviors.The four quadrants encourage a deeper understanding of a person's experience. After the in-class activity where we generated an empathy map for Emma's travels to China, I found myself reflecting on how I might use this tool in intercultural settings to further understand people’s perspectives.I am curious to see how integrating empathy mapping into my travels can enhance my ability to build meaningful connections when in foreign environments.

Intercultural Communication Competence (ICC): A Personal Reflection

When we were in class exploring the components and steps of ICC, I identified flexibility as my most competent component and motivation as the area with the most potential.I believe cognitive flexibility, or the ability to adapt and revise existing knowledge frameworks, is a strength of mine due to the experiential learning I've had when traveling, studying, and working in diverse cultural contexts. For example, when I was in grade school and played competitive ice hockey, I often traveled alone or with other families across the U.S. to compete at tournaments, which taught me resilience and the ability to adapt to my surroundings.However, I recognize that my intrinsic motivation to engage in intercultural communication can fluctuate. While I enjoy learning about different cultures, I also feel comfortable being passive and not initiating interactions, especially in situations where I feel uncertain or out of place.Reflecting on this, I realize that increasing my intrinsic motivation requires framing these encounters as opportunities for personal growth rather than potential discomfort.

Application for Personal Growth

Fortunately, I was given an immediate opportunity to put this insight into practice!This week, I traveled to Shanghai to meet with a childhood friend who had just completed her undergraduate studies at Yonsei University in Korea, now traveling across Asia to document her experiences as an influencer. Thus, I thought it would be meaningful to spend the day together, reconnecting and exploring the city!We met up at Alimentari Grande near the French Concession for lunch, enjoyed pastries from Butterful and Creamorous in Xintiandi, and studied at Tea'stone, ending the day with dinner at a Hangzhou and Shanghainese fusion restaurant. During our meal together, I brought up empathy and our cross-cultural journeys, and my friend stated that throughout her time in the U.S., Taiwan, Korea, and China, empathy was a key theme that allowed her to stay open-minded and cherish her experiences in the different cultures of each respective country. We also brought up the unique privilege of traveling the world as young adults, which we shouldn't take for granted.After a full day of conversations and exploring the unique culture of Shanghai, I took the slow train back to Kunshan. The journey gave me time to reflect on how this day deepened my appreciation for the shared and diverse cultural experiences we’ve had growing up in different places!

week 2 (jan 13-16): suzhou

This week, we delved into the core principles of design thinking through texts, videos, and interactive exercises like the “Perfect Gift” challenge. This framework emphasized a human-centered, iterative approach to problem-solving, which resonated with me as it aligns with the values of empathy, creativity, and collaboration.

Thinking Routine: Unveiling Stories

For my final project and the field trip, I would like to implement the Unveiling Stories thinking routine, which pushes individuals to dig deeper into things we might take at face value by asking, “What’s beneath the surface?” and “What stories aren’t immediately obvious?”Given my affinity for museums and exploration, I believe this routine aligns well with our field trip, where we will explore the craftsmanship and culture in Suzhou. Specifically, I am excited to see traditional Suzhou architecture and might purchase a fruit pit carving as a gift for my family.Taking a step back, I feel this thinking routine is a great way to move past the face value of artifacts, instead focusing on the traditions, materials, and history behind it all, which is the true essence of meaning-making.

Field Work: Suzhou Field Trip

During the tour of Suzhou, we had the chance to interact with many people, ranging from the production crew at the show we watched to the street vendors on the pedestrian street.Ace, Natalie, and I ended up interviewing the show's principal, who had previously worked as a recruiter for the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, and had just started her job in Suzhou three months prior. Similar to my interests, she enjoys Suzhou architecture, but wishes the food was more spicy.Hearing her perspective offered a unique story, as we were learning more about Suzhou through the eyes of someone who left a fast-paced city for a more peaceful environment.

week 3 (jan 20-23): kunshan

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.

Journey Mapping: Typifying Friendships

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.Friendship is inherently dynamic and ever-evolving. When I broke it down into a journey map, I identified five key phases: awareness, engagement, conflict, resolution, and advocacy. Viewing friendships through this structured lens made me appreciate the importance of each stage.Friendships aren’t static; they grow with every interaction. 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!

week 4 (jan 24 - feb 7): harbin, wuhan, chongqing

Traveling in China is always an adventure, but this year I wanted to take things a step further by solo traveling to three cities during Chinese New Year while engaging with local dialects in Harbin, Wuhan, and Chongqing.Inspired by our discussions on Suzhou dialect and its close connection to other Northern Wu dialects, I was curious to see how language could shape my interactions in these cities!

Spring Festival: Exploring Dialects as a Solo Traveler

Harbin’s -20°C winter, ice sculptures, a Russian-style architecture made it feel like a world of its own. Unlike southern cities where dialects can be vastly different from Mandarin, Harbin’s Northeastern dialect is more of an accent shift, keeping it casual, friendly, and full of 儿化. Talking to the local cab drivers, I learned a lot about the local culture and got recommendations for a local breakfast pedestrian street, enriching my overall experience of the city.Wuhan dialect has a sing-song quality that makes it stand out from standard Mandarin. It’s fast, expressive, and at times, hard to follow. Spending Spring Festival with family friends, I spent lots of time around relatives, eating and shopping to pass the time and follow traditions. Being my second time in Wuhan, I was able to pick up on a little bit of Wuhan dialect, and my aunts would try to keep me engaged in their conversations periodically as a sort of 'test' for me.If Wuhan dialect is a melody, Chongqing dialect is like rapid-fire rapping. The dialect was completely incomprehensible to me, as a street food vendor told me that the Chongqing dialect is "all about efficiency, so people talk fast because they live fast." He also shared how hotpot culture reflects the same foundational ideas: communal, intense, and full of bold flavors. While I'll never understand a word of Chongqing dialect, I did gain a newfound appreciation for the dialect and those that are able to speak it.Similar to our discussions about Suzhou dialect, I saw firsthand how local language reflects history, attitudes, and community. Moving forward, I want to keep integrating dialect into my travels—not just as a way to speak, but as a way to listen, learn, and experience places on a deeper level!

week 5 (feb 10-13): kunshan

Being able to formulate your ideas on paper and converse with peers is a critical skill to have in life. This week, we learned how public speaking is an essential skill in academic and professional settings, particularly regarding presentations.

Long-Distance Communication: Showing you Care

Keeping in touch with friends and family from back home can be challenging, especially when living abroad or juggling busy schedules. The distance, time zones, and everyday responsibilities often make it easy to let conversations slip into occasional check-ins rather than meaningful connections.After engaging with this week's class material, I realized that many key insights revolved around audience awareness, messaging, and nonverbal communication, which apply to everyday conversations and maintaining long-distance relationships.After celebrating Lunar New Year festivities, I called my grandparents to catch up. Unlike my parents, who I text frequently, my grandparents prefer phone calls so they can hear my voice. When I called, my grandmother immediately asked whether I had eaten, a common way to express care in Chinese culture. Instead of jumping into updates about my life, I mirrored her approach, asking her about the family gatherings, the food she prepared, and if she and my grandpa traveled locally.Similarly, when I called my dad, our conversation was different. He was more interested in my studies and whether I had set goals for the year ahead. He always enjoys talking about current events, and wanted to discuss the job market and global news. Had I approached both calls with the same mindset, I might not have had as meaningful a conversation.Beyond external communication, I’ve also realized that taking care of myself is a form of communication, just internal. The way I treat my body and mind sends a message to myself about my priorities and well-being. When I neglect rest or stress too much about responsibilities, I am, in a way, ignoring my own needs. By setting aside time for self-care, I reinforce self-respect and acknowledge my emotions, ensuring I remain mentally and emotionally available for others as well. Just like checking in with loved ones, maintaining an ongoing dialogue with myself helps foster a sense of balance and fulfillment!

week 6 (feb 17-20): suzhou

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?

A Digital Renaissance: Architecture as a Case Study

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.

week 7 (feb 24-27): kunshan

My last semester of undergrad. Second to last session until I graduate. Week 7. The final(s) push. A strange paradox of exhaustion and adrenaline.I have so much pressure and stress looming overhead; Signature Work, final projects, a final essay, and graduate school results. It’s the kind of week where time blurs, meals become afterthoughts, and sleep is more of a privelege than a necessity. However within the chaos, I feel calm and appreciate the little things, especially the people who distract me from the stress.

The Bigger Picture = The Little Moments

Yes, deadlines are pressing. Yes, graduate school results feel like a life-defining moment. No one wants to wake up to a rejection email. But years from now, I know I won’t remember the exact details of this week’s stress. I’ll remember the friends who pulled me through it. The late-night conversations. The small acts of kindness.This week was my birthday, and my friends surprised me with cake and their company, offering me a much-needed break from the stress of it all.It’s easy to spiral into an all-work, no-rest cycle when deadlines are relentless. But I’ve realized that a five-minute Chagee run or a deep sigh with a friend who is also going through it can make all the difference. There’s something oddly reassuring about knowing you’re not the only one fighting against the clock.So, as week 7 comes to a close and finals week approaches, I’m reminding myself: The work will get done. The results will come. But the little moments? Those are what I want to cherish.

-WOC106: Introducing Xiangmen-

Xiangmen (相门) is one of the eight historic gates that once enclosed the old Suzhou district. Originally named Jiangmen after the master craftsman Gan Jiang, the landmark has a rich history tied to Suzhou's past. As one of the eastern gates, it allegedly provided direct access to a prison.Restored in the 21st century, Xiangmen is made of nearly 400,000 bricks and spans 650 meters, with its highest point reaching almost 24 meters.Interact with the map below to explore Xiangmen and its surroundings!