Wentao Jiang

Master's Student in ECE (Computer Vision) at Rice University

About

I am proficient in Python, C++, R, Bash, SQL, and JavaScript. I have a foundational framework for advanced mathematics in complex analysis, linear algebra, probability and mathematical statistics, operations research, numerical analysis, differential equations, discrete structures, and graph theory. Overcoming problems have brought utter enjoyment and I devote a considerable amount of time on algorithms, programming, and studying math problems almost every day and night. This has provided me a great sense of accomplishment and even more passion. I am more convinced that the world of engineering and mathematics is wonderful, and this has exactly become the source of my interest.

Area of Interests

Machine Vision (CV, MI), Robotics (SLAM, Particle Filtering), and Deep Learning.

Education

M.E. in Electrical & Computer Engineering

  • Rice University, Houston, TX  |  Expected May 2026
  • Data Visualization, Intro to Modern Robotics, Deep Learning for Vision and Language, Computational Photography, Generative AI for Image Data, Graduate Tools and Models for Data Science

B.S.E. in Computer Science, High Distinction

B.S. in Applied Mathematics

  • University of Rochester, Rochester, NY  |  May 2024
  • Dean's List: 2022 - 2024
  • Machine Vision, Deep Learning, Data Mining, Complex Analysis, Operations Research, Numerical Analysis, Intro to Mathematical Statistics, Design and Analysis of Efficient Algorithms, Database Systems, Tools and Infrastructure for Data Science, Intro to Probability, Linear Algebra, Predictive Analytics for Business, Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism, Computer Models and Limitations, Differential Equations, Foundations of Higher Mathematics, Overview of Computer Systems, Discrete Structures, Data Structures Using Java, Calculus and Multidimensional Calculus.

Technical Skills

  • Programming Languages
    • > Proficient: Python | Intermediate: C++, Bash, JavaScript, SQL, MATLAB
  • Machine Learning & Computer Vision
    • > PyTorch, OpenCV, ROS, scikit-learn, scikit-image
    • > Eigen, NumPy, pandas, SciPy
    • > MongoDB, MySQL, PySpark
    • > Matplotlib, seaborn, plotly
  • DevOps & Automation
    • $ Bash scripting, Linux service automation, environment provisioning, database retrieval, CI/CD pipeline management
  • Tools & Systems
    • $ Docker, Git, Linux (Debian, RHEL), AWS, \(\mathrm{\LaTeX}\)
  • Pencil Sketching Certificate Level: Grade 8
    • Issued by Social Fine Arts Grade Examination Center of China Academy of Art
    • Attained at age 15

Research and Teaching Experience

Graduate Teaching Assistant

  • Department of Computer Science, Rice University
  • Jan 2025 - Present  |  Houston, TX
    • Conduct weekly office hours to support students with coursework and debugging code. Provided rapid technical support and debugging help via Piazza across Spring and Summer 2025.
    • Offer expertise in Python libraries, including Pandas, NumPy, Scikit-learn, Matplotlib, and Plotly.

Research Assistant

  • Department of Dermatology, Baylor College of Medicine
  • Jan 2025 - May 2025  |  Houston, TX
    • Designed and implemented ASPIRE, a customized UNet-like encoder-decoder framework (PyTorch) with DeepLabv3-ResNet50 backbone and ASPP module, achieving segmentation of vitiligo lesions (mIoU: 0.7226, Dice: 0.8182); results considered state-of-the-art, with co-authored manuscript in preparation.
    • Led a two-phase training strategy with data augmentation, curriculum learning, and hybrid Dice - CrossEntropy loss, ensuring robust performance across diverse skin tones and annotation quality.
    • Proposed and designed an end-to-end ML pipeline and AI-powered annotation platform, with planned on-premises deployment at Baylor to support real-time clinical diagnostics and dermatological decision-making.

Research Assistant

  • Active Perception Laboratory, University of Rochester
  • May 2024 - Aug 2024  |  Rochester, NY
    • Implemented the Determinant of Hessian method for 2D Purkinje image blob detection in C++ with efficient pruning techniques, based on the SURF algorithm (Bay et al., ECCV 2006), achieving over 98% reduction in processing time (under 1 second per 2048\(\times\)996 image vs. 15+ minutes in Python) while maintaining 92% accuracy in an eye-tracking system.
    • Developed a Synthesis Data Generation API. Generated Gaussian images of the first and fourth Purkinje Images, improving image analysis by enabling configurable parameters (e.g., randomness, view angle, noise level).
    • Utilized Low-Resolution Detection with High-Resolution Localization for Blob Tracking. Contributed to coarse detection with position estimation using a Non-linear Kalman Filter to improve speed and robustness, especially in noisy conditions.
    • Streamlined project interaction by developing intuitive command line and API interfaces.

Undergraduate Research Assistant

  • Tripods REU/STEMFORALL, Goergen Institute for Data Science, University of Rochester
  • Jul 2023 - Aug 2023  |  Rochester, NY
    • Conducted Exploratory Data Analysis on seizure data, applying statistical techniques to identify critical trends and anomalies and contributing to enhanced understanding of underlying patterns.
    • Developed predictive models using ARIMA and Fourier analysis to improve event forecasting accuracy and identify critical trends and anomalies in seizure time-series data.
    • Implemented CNN and LSTM networks for time-series analysis, enhancing model performance and robustness in processing large datasets.
    • Collaborated in a team project to streamline data preprocessing and optimize epilepsy prediction models, significantly improving the robustness and accuracy of analytical outcomes.

Tutor

  • Computer Science Undergraduate Council, University of Rochester
  • Jan 2023 - Apr 2024  |  Rochester, NY
    • Guided undergraduates in Math and CS concepts through weekly sessions in collaboration with course instructors.
    • Received positive feedback from both instructors and students and for improving understanding of algorithm optimization and debugging techniques.
    • MATH 150: Discrete Math,
    • MATH 165: Linear Algebra w/ Diff Equations,
    • MATH/STAT 201: Intro to Probability,
    • STAT 212: Applied Statistics I,
    • STAT 213: Elements Prob & Math Stat,
    • CSC 240: Data Mining,
    • CSC 245: Deep Learning,
    • CSC 282: Design & Analysis of Efficient Algorithms,
    • DSCC 201: Tools for Data Science.

Patents and Publications

多种传感器组合探测的方法及装置、电子设备、存储介质

  • Patent Publication No.: CN 115685183 A
    • Title: Method and apparatus for detecting a plurality of sensors in combination, electronic devices, and storage mediums
    • Developed a method and apparatus for enhancing target detection by synergistically combining multiple sensors, including radars and cameras. The innovation significantly improves the accuracy and dimensionality of data for more precise target detection, applicable to various electronic devices. This patent is published and currently under substantial examination.

Professional Experience

Computer Vision Project Intern

  • Shanghai Sensemi Tech Co., Ltd.
  • Jun 2023 - Jul 2023  |  Shanghai, China
    • Optimized object detection performance by transitioning from YOLO v3 to v8, improving accuracy by 14% (measured by IoU), speeding up model convergence, and enhancing bounding box precision.
    • Implemented CNN-based semantic segmentation, facilitating the production of seamless 3D reconstruction and scale-recovered mesh video generation from depth information.
    • Leveraged Azure Kinect DK Time-of-Flight (TOF) lens, resolving lighting and scaling issues, improving high-fidelity depth data quality and enhancing scale-recovered mesh video generation for CNN-based semantic segmentation.

Data Engineering Intern

  • New H3C Group
  • Jun 2021 - Aug 2021  |  Shanghai, China
    • Developed a predictive analytics system using Random Forest Regression to accurately forecast memory requirements in Electronic Design Automation (EDA) simulation design, achieving an R2 score of 0.89 in model accuracy, with data sourced and managed through MongoDB.
    • Optimized hardware setups and resource allocation for over 20K tasks, streamlining new employee integration and improving overall computing resource efficiency

Community Experience

Student Volunteer

  • Shanghai 22nd International Film & 25th TV Festival
  • Jun 2019  |  Shanghai, China
    • Served as a volunteer English student interpreter for visiting professional at the 22nd Shanghai International Film Festival and the 25th Shanghai International TV Festival.

Student Delegate, 2019 10\(\small{\times}\)10 Teen Art Expo

  • Great Hall, Cincinnati Art Museum
  • Mar 2019  |  Cincinnati, OH
    • My "Pop Art" acrylic painting was selected by the museum education staff and the 10x10 committee from a pool of submissions by teenage art enthusiasts across Cincinnati.
    • My painting was displayed in the Great Hall, being among the top 100 pieces showcased during the expo from March 19th to 25th, 2019.
 View my Art Portfolio