Written by humans, for humans.
Alexander Kai Chen
Computer Science & Classics Student
Hello! I'm a software engineer and student researcher (~7 years of programming with experience in enterprise full-stack, AI/ML). I also study classical languages (e.g. Latin), philosophy, and debate.
The human arts of reason and rhetoric are increasingly obscured by artificial illusions. I'm exploring how a classical understanding of the old can further our understanding of the new. Leveraging NeSy + explainable systems to reveal grounded truth, bridging human reason with machine logic.
C.S. Skills
Programming Langs
- Python
- Java
- Lean4
- Prolog
- C++
- Lisp (Clojure)
- Swift
Frameworks & Tools
- AWS
- Azure
- Git
- PyTorch
- TensorFlow
- Mathlib
AI/ML
- NeSy (neural-symbolic) Systems
- Explainable AI (XAI)
- Distributed Computing & Parallelism
- Edge & Mobile Computing
Theory
- Algorithms & Data Structures
- Software Development
- Formal Verification
- Discrete Mathematics
Workflows
- SCRUM
- Agile
- Agentic Development
Experience
AI Researcher & Author
NeurIPS 2025 PublicationPublished "iOS as Acceleration" in the NeurIPS Workshop on Efficient Reasoning during high school junior year.
Enterprise Tech Software & Data Engineer Intern
State Farm InsuranceDeveloping large-scale software + data applications at State Farm Enterprise Technology division.
FRC Robotics Lead Analytics Developer
FIRST Robotics CompetitionDeveloped data scouting software for FRC team, deployed to world championship competitions in 2024 and 2025.
Volunteer Programming Instructor
Local STEM Summer CampCo-taught programming section for underprivileged youths.
Education
Highschool
Homeschool, Classical Curriculum
4.0 GPA, 1600 SAT, 6x APs score 5, currently completing Junior year
Dual Credit College Courses
Collin College
Discrete Math (Grade: A, 100%), Linear Algebra (in-progress)
Online College Courses
Online
"Data Structures & Algorithms Specialization" @ UCSD, "Build a Modern Computer from First Principles" @ HUJI
C.S. & A.I.
Self-Directed Study
NeSy, XAI, NLP, distributed learning, agentic LRMs.
Classical Studies
Classical Curriculum + Self-Directed Study
Languages (Latin), Greek & Roman philosophy, debate (formal reasoning, rhetoric)
Honors & Awards
USACO Gold Division
USA Computing OlympiadPromoted to Gold Division; previously promoted to Silver in Dec. 2023, placing 1022 out of 9707 pre-college competitors worldwide.
Coolidge 1v1 Debate
Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation DebateQualified for the Coolidge Cup in my first year competing in Coolidge Debate, from placing in the Spring Online national tournament competing against ~55 individual debaters.
NCFCA Team Policy Debate
National Christian Forensics & Communications AssociationRanked 2nd Team Policy Speaker out of ~110 competitors at national online tournament in the 24-25 season. Previously placed 8th out of ~42 teams at first regional tournament in Jan. 2024.
ISEF State Science Fair
Texas Science & Engineering FairPlaced second in "Software Design / Systems Software" category, earning full scholarship to Governor's Science & Technology Champion's Academy summer research program.
ISEF Regional Science Fair
Dallas Regional Science & Engineering FairPlaced first, winning "Software Design / Systems Software" category with project "MobilePipe: iPhones as Parallel Compute Accelerators for Local Machine Learning" and advancing to State Fair.
Connect
- alexander.kai.chen@gmail.com
- Discord: @alxv07
- Twitter/X
- GitHub
- OpenReview
- ORCID
- YouTube
- chess.com
Blog
Written by humans, for humans.
Posts with italicized titles are formalized writings, other posts are more casual updates.