Biography
Zijian(Kevin) Zhong is a recent graduate with a master's degree in Computer Science from the University of Southern California with a robust background in software development, research, and project management.
He has strong expertise in programming languages such as Python, JavaScript, Java, and C++, as well as in frameworks like React, Angular, and Spring Boot.
Education
- Master of Science in Computer Science, 2024
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, 2022
- University of Southern California
- University at Buffalo, SUNY
Certifications
- AWS Certified Developer - Associate
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
Skills
Programming Languages
- Python, Java, C, C++, C#, Scala, JavaScript, TypeScript, OCaml, SQL, HTML, CSS
Frameworks & Libraries
- Unity, Spring Boot, React, Angular, REST API, Bootstrap, Tailwind, Flutter, NodeJS, OpenGL
Tools & Cloud Platforms:
- AWS, GCP, Docker, MongoDB, MySQL, Git, Zenhub
Experience
Research Assistant
Jan 2021 - Sept 2021
Universitry at Buffalo (National Science Foundation)
- Engineered cross-platform mobile applications in Flutter to facilitate research data collection on Android and iOS devices
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to refine app design, implemented features, and enhanced user engagement
- Processed and analyzed complex datasets using Python for stress measure and prediction
- Co-author of research paper "Stress prediction using micro-EMA and machine learning during COVID-19 social isolation."
Projects
eBay Shopping Web App
A customized online shopping platform that leverages eBay API with responsive web design. With filters base on various features (Location, Price, Distance, etc.), recommend similar items, and 'Save & Buy Later' function.
Tech Stack: Angular, Bootstrap, JavaScript, TypeScript, MongoDB, NodeJS, Express, Docker, Restful API, AJAX, Google Cloud Platform
DetailsUB Marketplace
Course team project to build an online used item trading platform specifically for UB students. Simulate with real-world working environment with an assigned project manager.
Tech Stack: Java, JavaScript, Spring Boot, MongoDB, React, Heroku, ZenHub, CI/CD
Details
eBay Shopping Mobile App
A customized online shopping mobile app that leverages eBay API. With filters base on various features (Location, Price, Distance, etc.), recommend similar items, and 'Save & Buy Later' function.
Tech Stack: Java, MongoDB, NodeJS, Express, Restful API, Google Cloud Platform
Details
Monster Go: Become Human
Course team project to build a game by using Unity. Our game is a stealth action monster game with possession and body swapping mechanics. The game combines elements of a third-person shooter and a puzzler.
Tech Stack: Unity, C#
Details
Text Chat Application
Developed the client and server components of a text chat application, consisting of one chat server and multiple chat clients over TCP connections.
Tech Stack: C++
DetailsReliable Transport Protocols
In a given simulator, implement three reliable data transport protocols: Alternating-Bit (ABT), Go-Back-N (GBN), and Selective-Repeat (SR). Compare the performance for the protocols under different conditions.
Tech Stack: C++
Details
Height Fields Using Shaders
Using image data from a grayscale JPEG file to create height field, such that the two dimensions of the grid correspond to the two dimensions of the image and the height value is a function of the image grayscale level. Handle camera transformations, transform the landscape (translate/rotate/scale), and render the heightfield. Wrote a shader to perform geometry smoothing and re-color the terrain accordingly.
Tech Stack: C++, OpenGL
DetailsSimulating a Roller Coaster
Use Catmull-Rom splines along with OpenGL core profile shader-based lighting and texture mapping to create a roller coaster simulation. Implemented two shaders: one for texture mapping (to render the ground), and one for Phong shading (to render the roller coaster rail). The simulation will run in a first-person view, allowing the user to "ride" the coaster in an immersive environment.
Tech Stack: C++, OpenGL
DetailsRay Tracing
Build a ray tracer. Ray tracer will be able to handle opaque surfaces with lighting and shadows. Applied antialiasing by supersampling. Improve the image quality by using the soft shadows. Parallel computing is implemented to support faster rendering.
Tech Stack: C++, OpenGL
Details
Resampling and Aliasing
Course project to gain a practical understanding of Resampling and Filtering in the spatial and temporal domain. It consists of two parts, the first one aimed to develop the understanding of sampling/aliasing issues in the spatial domain and the second one deals with sampling/aliasing issues in the temporal domain.
Tech Stack: Java
DetailsCompression using Vector Quantization
Course project. Compress images by using "vector quantization" method.
Tech Stack: Java
Details
Publications
- Li, H., Zheng, E., Zhong, Z., Xu, C., Roma, N., Lamkin, S., Von Visger, T. T., Chang, Y.-P., & Xu, W. (2022). Stress prediction using micro-EMA and machine learning during COVID-19 social isolation. Smart Health, 23, 100242.