Yaqi Wang
Santa Barbara,USA
Summary
Applied Mathematics and German Studies student with strong training in analysis, numerical methods, and stochastic processes. Research experience includes studying the dual formulation of a Sinkhorn-type optimal transport algorithm. Internship work in Berlin focused on data-driven modeling, interpretability, and KPI-based analytics for organizational systems. Interested in mathematically grounded machine learning and rigorous data-science research.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Financial & Administrative Assistant
Theater & Dance Department, UCSB
08.2024 - Current
- Quickly mastered the school's Concur reimbursement system and efficiently assisted over 30 faculty and staff with travel, entertainment, and various expense reimbursements.
- Developed knowledge of the department's purchasing process and actively provided procurement support for faculty and staff, ensuring the timely supply of office materials and teaching resources.
- Provide clerical and administrative support: organizing files, managing correspondence, and filling out financial forms.
- Fill out paperwork, stamp deposit checks, and then submit them to the Cashier's Office.
- Adapted quickly to, and proficiently utilized, the Online Transfer of Expense (TOE) system to transfer departmental expenses from multiple accounts to the correct accounts.
AI & Strategy Intern
PeoplePulseAnalytix, Berlin, Germany
06.2025 - 08.2025
- Researched and validated key decision-making pain points for managers in mid-to-large organizations, focusing on attrition, burnout, low engagement, and inefficient meetings.
- Designed modular capability blueprints for 'Rosie,' an AI copilot for workforce management, detailing triggers, required data, and output formats.
- Conducted a competitive analysis of enterprise AI copilots (e.g., Microsoft 365 Copilot, IBM Orchestrate) to inform the differentiation strategy.
- Estimated target market size, early adopter profiles, proposed MVP features, interaction flows, and success metrics to guide product development and pilot evaluation.
- Co-developed a Python-based KPI Performance Risk Model with adjustable weights, enabling flexible, data-driven employee performance, and risk assessment.
Student Researcher
UCSB Math Department
02.2024 - 02.2025
- Read textbooks, coded Python, and studied the key materials: the Dual Problem and the Sinkhorn Algorithm.
- I attended a research meeting every other week to discuss what I learned about the material and to understand the code.
- Researched 'Compare Sinkhorn for |x - y| or |x - y|² cost in 2D.'
High Impact Tutoring Volunteer
Partners in Education
10.2022 - 05.2023
- Tutored basic algebra, geometry, and statistics for 25+ kids at risk of failing and/or kids with special needs in 8th grade math
classes - Discussed feedback about students' academic achievements and participation levels with instructors, fostering a stronger and cooperative classroom environment.
- Collaborated with a teaching partner and the instructors to ensure the effective delivery of course plans in an engaging manner in the future.
- Provided step-by-step guidance to students, with patience, to build students' confidence and motivation.
Education
B.S. & B.A. - Applied Mathematics, German Studies
University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)
Santa Barbara, California, USA03.2026
High School Diploma - undefined
Fryeburg Academy
Maine, USA05.2022
Skills
- Mathematical Skills
- Numerical analysis, convex optimization, probability/statistics
- ODEs/PDEs, matrix analysis, scientific computing
- Technical / Software
- Python (NumPy, pandas, scikit-learn, matplotlib)
- Git, LaTeX, Excel, SQL basics
Honors & Awards
UCSB Dean’s Honors (multiple quarters), Pi-Cone Math League Awards (Gold, Silver, Team First Place)
Additional Information
- Interests: Algorithmic fairness, interpretable ML, machine learning theory, European studies, languages, jazz music
- Availability for relocation: Yes
- Willingness to pursue research: Yes — potential PhD path
Languages
English
Full Professional
Chinese (Mandarin)
Native or Bilingual
German
Limited Working
Timeline
AI & Strategy Intern
PeoplePulseAnalytix, Berlin, Germany
06.2025 - 08.2025
Financial & Administrative Assistant
Theater & Dance Department, UCSB
08.2024 - Current
Student Researcher
UCSB Math Department
02.2024 - 02.2025
High Impact Tutoring Volunteer
Partners in Education
10.2022 - 05.2023
High School Diploma - undefined
Fryeburg Academy
B.S. & B.A. - Applied Mathematics, German Studies
University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)