Dr. Yiqiao Zhong

Biography

Yiqiao Zhong is a tenure-track assistant professor in the Department of Statistics at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, having started his appointment in Fall 2022. His research is primarily motivated by advances in data science, focusing on modern statistics and machine learning problems, particularly in deep learning theory and high-dimensional statistics. His recent research delves into the scientific foundations of generative AI, with a keen interest in Large Language Models (LLMs), including developing evaluation metrics, interpretability, and understanding emerging technology. Zhong previously worked as a postdoctoral researcher at Stanford University, contributing to the Collaboration on the Theoretical Foundations of Deep Learning under the guidance of Professors Andrea Montanari and David Donoho. He obtained his Ph.D. in 2019, advised by Professor Jianqing Fan, and holds a B.S. in mathematics from Peking University, awarded in 2014. His research agenda centers around LLMs, emphasizing the critical gap between accelerated industry growth and the scientific foundations of their practical use. He aims to provide rigorous measurements to enhance model evaluation and understanding, particularly in the context of generative AI. Zhong has published papers in prominent journals including the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and Nature Communications, exploring various aspects of machine learning and data visualization techniques.

Research Interests

Experience