Yuzhi Wang
New York,NY
Summary
Dynamic researcher with a strong foundation in machine learning and data analysis, honed at New York University. Proven ability to lead projects and communicate effectively, demonstrated through successful presentations and innovative research outcomes. Skilled in programming languages such as R and SAS, with a multicultural perspective that enhances collaboration.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Master Thesis
New York University
New York, US
08.2025 - Current
- My master's thesis aims to predict the gene expression response of Aspergillus flavus under different oxidative stress conditions and determine the aflatoxin production capacity of the strains using transcriptome data and machine learning methods. I used publicly available RNA-seq data from Fountain et al. (2016), covering three strains and three oxidative stress levels, totaling 18 samples and approximately 11,000 genes. I plan to use models such as random forest, XGBoost, and SVM for classification prediction, and test the generalization ability of the models through cross-validation and leave-one-isolate-out. Simultaneously, I will use feature importance and SHAP values to identify key marker genes. This method not only enables the establishment of molecular-level predictive models but also helps to reveal the mechanisms of oxidative stress and toxin production regulation, providing a foundation for food contamination early warning systems.
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
Course assistant
New York University
New York, US
08.2025 - 12.2025
- I worked as a course assistant in fall semester 2025. The course is Introduction to Data Management and Statistical Computing. I took this course in my first year and had a great relationship with the professor, being highly active in class triggered my motivation to apply to continue work with her. Even though the requirement is to show up in class every two weeks, I'm present almost every time and communicate with students a lot to help with their study.
- Supported faculty in preparing course materials and resources for classes.
- Facilitated communication between students and professors regarding course content.
- Organized and maintained digital files for course documentation and assignments.
Research assistant
Dr. Jenny Kao-Kniffin's lab
Ithaca, US
06.2022 - 03.2023
- After graduation, I applied for optional practical training (OPT) and worked as a research assistant in the laboratory led by Dr. Jenny Kao-Kniffin. I attended the natural product project at the laboratory, which aimed to find out new potential herbicides from a lot of bacteria in soil. I was trained to use high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) technique. Then, I attended the project to detect microorganisms in soil with ultrasonic chips and presented a poster at the conference held by Center for Research on Programmable Plant Systems (CROPPS). Later, as the experiment entered a new phase, Dr. Kao-Kniffin entrusts me to design and conduct research on biofilm.
- Assisted in designing and conducting experiments in plant biology research.
- Analyzed data using statistical software to support research findings.
- Maintained lab equipment and ensured compliance with safety protocols.
Undergraduate researcher
Dr. Jenny Kao-Kniffin's lab
Ithaca, US
01.2022 - 05.2022
- The project is about the effect of PSB and AMF in helping tomatoes with phosphorus. The group cultured tomatoes from seed phase till harvest and measured a lot of data for future analyzes. The research is for New York City Urban Garden project. From the preparation of a lot of soil samples in February, to the planting of tomato seedlings, to the subsequent watering twice a week, and through to the makeup of bacterial solution and Hoagland nutrient solution, I finally harvested the tomato samples after eight weeks. I cut off the half a meter high plants in the roots, dug up all the roots and removed the regolith on them, and took the samples and restored them.
- Conducted experiments to analyze plant soil interactions in controlled environments.
- Assisted in preparing research materials and maintaining laboratory equipment.
- Collaborated with team members to document findings and methodologies accurately.
Undergraduate researcher
Dr. Teresa Pawlowska's lab
Ithaca, US
11.2021 - 05.2022
- The project is about endobacteria in Mucoromycotina. I did fungus culturing, DNA extraction, PCR and gel running. As it was a new project, I was able to participate in the whole process of the experiment from the very beginning. By isolating and culturing fungi from the soil samples from Florida and California and conducting analysis with the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique on the basis of ITS, 16S and 28S gene sequencing, we finally found endosymbiotic bacteria in Cunninghamella, which had never been reported before. Because Dr. Pawlowska and the post-doctor who guided me were not on campus for most of the semester, I did most of the experiment by myself.
- Conducted literature reviews to support ongoing research projects in plant biology.
- Assisted in designing and executing experiments related to soil microbiomes.
- Analyzed data using statistical software to identify trends and patterns.
Undergraduate researcher
Environment and Ecology Center of China Academy of Science
Beijing, China
07.2021 - 08.2021
- I interned in Dr. Guibing Zhu's lab and worked on a project about soil nitrous oxide release, using acetenyl inhibition method. The Acetylene Inhibition method is the most common seen in this field. However, in the real experiments, we found that the amount of nitrous oxide produced in the inhibition group was higher than that in the control group. Considering our laboratory had never conducted experiments on fungi, I speculated the influence of soil fungi and later designed and conducted more experiments. I used zinc chloride and streptomyces to test the impacts of abiologic process of soil, and bacteria and fungi on release of nitrous oxide. Finally, my speculation proved to be correct, and we made a breakthrough in the experiment. Meanwhile, in my internship, though I often worked for 15 hours per day and left the laboratory at 1am in the next morning, I was never tired of the research.
- Conducted experiments to analyze soil microbial communities and their interactions.
- Prepared research materials and maintained laboratory equipment for ongoing projects.
- Collaborated with team members to design protocols for field sampling techniques.
Education
Master of Science - Biostatistic
New York University
03-2026
Bachelor of Science - Plant Science
Cornell University
06-2022
Bachelor of Science - Plant Nutrition
China Agriculture University
07-2020
Skills
- Research and data analysis
- Data analysis
- Statistical methods
- Statistical modeling
- Survival analysis
- Machine learning
- Statistical software
- Field research methods
- Organizational skills
- Leadership qualities
- Cultural awareness
- English communication
Extracurricular Activities
Volunteer Docent, New York, NY, 10001, China Institution Gallery, 01/01/25, present, I have a strong interest in Chinese history and traditional culture. Actor, Ithaca, NY, 14850, Jingyuan Drama Club at Cornell, 09/01/22, 05/01/23, I participated in Jingyuan drama club at Cornell University. Participant, Daxu, Guangxi, Social Practice Activity, 08/01/19, I worked as a researcher in Daxu Town in Guangxi province.
Research
- Master Thesis, New York, NY, 10001, 08/01/25, present, My master's thesis aims to predict the gene expression response of Aspergillus flavus under different oxidative stress conditions and determine the aflatoxin production capacity of the strains using transcriptome data and machine learning methods.
- Undergraduate Researcher, Ithaca, NY, 14850, Dr. Jenny Kao-Kniffin's lab, 01/01/22, 05/01/22, The project is about the effect of PSB and AMF in helping tomatoes with phosphorus.
- Undergraduate Researcher, Ithaca, NY, 14850, Dr. Teresa Pawlowska's lab, 11/01/21, 05/01/22, The project is about endobacteria in Mucoromycotina.
- Undergraduate Researcher, Beijing, Environment and Ecology Center of China Academy of Science, 07/01/21, 08/01/21, I interned in Dr. Guibing Zhu's lab and worked on a project about soil nitrous oxide release.
Timeline
Master Thesis
New York University
08.2025 - Current
Course assistant
New York University
08.2025 - 12.2025
Research assistant
Dr. Jenny Kao-Kniffin's lab
06.2022 - 03.2023
Undergraduate researcher
Dr. Jenny Kao-Kniffin's lab
01.2022 - 05.2022
Undergraduate researcher
Dr. Teresa Pawlowska's lab
11.2021 - 05.2022
Undergraduate researcher
Environment and Ecology Center of China Academy of Science
07.2021 - 08.2021
Master of Science - Biostatistic
New York University
Bachelor of Science - Plant Science
Cornell University
Bachelor of Science - Plant Nutrition
China Agriculture University