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You Cheng
Machine Learning Research Intern at MPI-SWS - Brain Science and AI Researcher - Ph.D. Candidate at UCI - Science Communicator
Professional Background
Dr. Lilian Cheng is a dedicated and innovative researcher with over a decade of extensive experience in the fields of cognitive psychology, cognitive neuroscience, and geography. As a Ph.D. candidate at the University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine), her academic journey has been marked by a passion for understanding the intricacies of human behavior and the cognitive processes underlying it. Dr. Cheng’s unique interdisciplinary approach, blending insights from psychology, neuroscience, and data science, positions her at the forefront of research dedicated to harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) to predict and model cognitive functions effectively.
Throughout her career, Dr. Cheng has developed invaluable skills in data analysis, experimental design, computational modeling, and neuroimaging, which serve as the foundation for her research endeavors. Her commitment to advancing the field of cognitive science is evident in her numerous published works and presentations, showcasing her ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to a diverse audience clearly and engagingly.
Education and Achievements
Dr. Cheng's impressive academic background is highlighted by her achievements at UC Irvine, where she completed her Ph.D. in Cognitive Sciences with a concentration in Cognitive Neuroscience, earning a remarkable GPA of 3.98. She also holds a Master of Science (MS) in Cognitive Neuroscience from UC Irvine with a perfect GPA of 4.0, along with a Master of Arts (MA) in Geography from UC Santa Barbara, where she graduated with a GPA of 3.86. Her undergraduate studies were completed at South China Normal University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychology with a GPA of 3.5.
Dr. Cheng has made a significant impact through her research contributions as well. She has authored four peer-reviewed papers in the fields of psychology and neuroscience, presenting her findings at over ten national and international conferences and symposiums, demonstrating her commitment to advancing knowledge in her field.
Noteworthy Accomplishments
Dr. Cheng’s achievements extend beyond her publication record. She earned the prestigious Crossroads fellowship, allowing her to collaborate with esteemed professors across three departments at UCSB, focusing on research related to gender and age differences in navigation. Additionally, she has received numerous accolades, including the 2020 SfN Trainee Professional Development Award, the 2021 Audience Choice Award at the UCI AGS Virtual Symposium, and the 2021 CNLM Roger W. Russell Scholar's Award, emphasizing her excellence in research and her potential for continued success in cognitive neuroscience.
Professional Experience
Dr. Cheng has held a variety of prestigious roles throughout her career, helping her to cultivate a well-rounded perspective in data science and cognitive research. She was named a Machine Learning Research Intern at the Max Planck Institute for Software Systems, contributing to advanced research initiatives in machine learning and artificial intelligence. Additionally, her involvement with the UC Irvine Graduate Division as a Graduate InterConnect Program Peer Mentor demonstrates her ability to foster relationships and guide fellow students in navigating the complexities of graduate education.
As a Co-Chair of the Ambassador Program Adult Outreach Committee at the Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, she has played a crucial role in communicating scientific knowledge to the public and promoting awareness of neuroscience research. Dr. Cheng has also shared her expertise through her former position as a Data Science Instructor at Coursera, where she championed accessible education in data science and machine learning.
In her past roles, Dr. Cheng has exhibited strong leadership skills, whether mentoring high school students in a Summer Virtual Journal Club, contributing to data science initiatives at the Virtual Grace Hopper Celebration, or serving as a teaching associate and graduate research assistant at both UC Irvine and UC Santa Barbara. Her driven nature is further highlighted by her various outreach efforts, including her role as a Business English Interpreter at the Canton Fair and as an Associate Secretary in the Chinese Calligraphy and Painting Association.
Core Competencies
Dr. Cheng's diverse skill set is a critical asset in the fields of data science and cognitive neuroscience. With core competencies in data science, data analytics, data visualization, big data analysis, computational modeling, and neuroimaging, she demonstrates a robust understanding of the scientific method and analytical frameworks. Her proficiency in programming languages, including Python, R, MATLAB, and SQL, equips her to engage with complex datasets and create meaningful insights. Additionally, her experience with virtual reality technology further enhances her research potential and applicatio
