Written by humans, for humans.

Alexander Kai Chen

Computer Science & Classics Student

Hey, I'm Alex! I'm a student researcher and software engineer. I'm exploring the intersection of CS/AI and ancient classics.

Classical languages, philosophy, and debate are the foundations of modern reasoning and comprehension. Now, as advancing technology attempts to mimic these arts, a human understanding of them is more important than ever to ensure progress is grounded in truth and accessibility.

I believe studying the classics is one of the best teachers of these timeless skills necessary for the advancement of humanity. My current work explores how NeSy, explainable, and verifiable AI ensures technology is truthful, transparent, and accessible.

Alexander Chen

Experience

Research

Student NeSy Researcher

UCLA Team ALPHA
2026 - Present

Math autoformalization & theorem proving

  • LRMs, RL, MCTS, Lean4, Python

Solo-author Publication

NeurIPS 2025
2025

"iOS as Acceleration", Workshop on Efficient Reasoning

  • distributed training, edge compute, MLX/MPS, PyTorch, Swift, Python

Explainable AI Research Intern

Applied Logic & Programming Systems Lab (ALPS)
2024, 2026

Logic programming and solvers

  • Prolog, ASP (answer set programming), blackbox ML

Engineering

Telematics Software & Data Engineer

State Farm
2026

Intern, architected agentic data analysis and triage tools

  • Python, FastAPI, LangGraph, MCPs, AWS TypeScript, Vite, React

Enterprise Technology Infrastructure Software Engineer

State Farm
2025

Intern, enhanced large-scale business-central applications

  • Java, TypeScript, Vue, AWS, Azure, Docker

FRC Robotics Software & Data Lead Engineer

FIRST Robotics Competition
2022 - 2025

World Championships 2024 & 2025

  • Led analytics scouting software development team; Java, Android applications, JavaScript

Skills

Programming Languages

  • Python
  • Java
  • TypeScript
  • Swift
  • SQL
  • Clojure
  • Prolog
  • Lean4

Frameworks & Tools

  • Git, GitHub, GitLab
  • LangChain, LangGraph, MCPs
  • FastAPI, Flask
  • PyTorch, TensorFlow, MLX/MPS
  • AWS, Azure
  • React, Vue, Angular, Vite, Next.js
  • Swift iOS apps, Java Android apps

AI/ML

  • NeSy (neuralsymbolic) agent systems
  • Explainable AI (XAI)
  • Applied algorithms & data structures
  • Distributed computing & parallelism

Team Collaboration

  • Clear communication, public presentation
  • Reliable fast-paced delivery
  • Agent orchestration
  • SCRUM, Agile workflows

Education

Highschool

Homeschool, Classical Education
2022 - 2026 (Rising Senior)

4.0 GPA, 1600 SAT

  • 10x AP score 5 (Calc BC, Chem, Phy 1, Stats, CSA, Precalc, Macroecon, Microecon, U.S. Hist, Eng Lang & Comp)
  • Classical languages (Latin), Greek & Roman philosophy, debate (formal reasoning, rhetoric & speech)

Dual Credit

Collin College
2025 - 2026
  • Discrete Math (grade A)
  • Linear Algebra (grade A)

Online Courses

Coursera
2023 - 2025
  • "Data Structures & Algorithms Specialization" @ UCSD
  • "Build a Modern Computer from First Principles" @ HUJI

Honors & Awards

National Latin Exam

American Classical League & NJCL
2024 - 2026
  • Intermediate Latin Gold Summa Cum Laude (2026)
  • Beginning Latin Gold Summa Cum Laude (2025)
  • Introduction to Latin Magna Cum Laude (2024)

Coolidge Cup Qualifier

Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation
2026
  • Qualified to international prestigious Coolidge Cup tournament for 1v1 Debate

NCFCA Team Policy Debate

National Christian Forensics & Communications Association
2023 - 2025
  • Multiple Team Policy Speaker distinctions and team placings in elimination rounds nationally and regionally
  • Notably placed 2nd speaker out of ~110 competitors at National Online tournament, 24-25 season

ISEF State Science Fair

Texas Science & Engineering Fair (TXSEF)
2026
  • 2nd in Software Design / Systems Software
  • Awarded full scholarship to Governor's Science & Technology Champion's Academy (GSTCA)

ISEF Regional Science Fair

Dallas Regional Science & Engineering Fair (DRSEF)
2026
  • 1st in Software Design / Systems Software, advancing to TXSEF

USACO Gold Division

USA Computing Olympiad
2023 - 2025
  • Gold Division distinction, top 10% internationally

Connect

I live in Dallas, Texas, and homeschool through Mother of Divine Grace School. I'd love to get in touch!

Blog

Written by humans, for humans.

Posts with italicized titles are formalized writings, other posts are more casual updates.