Projects
Online Throughput SchedulingJul 2025 - Present
Related fields: Online Algorithms, Competitive Analysis
This individual research investigates online throughput scheduling problem under various preemption models. Currently exploring the results for randomized algorithms for the preemption-revoke model. Additionally, I consider the discrete-time perspective, where all the parameters of jobs are integers and the scheduler makes decisions at discrete time steps.
Supervised by Professor Allan Borodin at the University of Toronto.
Paper on the lower bound of deterministic algorithms for online throughput scheduling problem under preemption-revoke model: C. He. arXiv preprint (2025). arXiv:2510.15318
Poster presented at the CSSU Undergraduate Research Conference, University of Toronto (2026). [View Poster]
Nonogram Puzzle Difficulty Analysis Sep 2025 - Present
Related fields: Human–Computer Interaction, Artificial Intelligence, Constraint Satisfaction
This research investigates how computational measures of difficulty align with human perceptions in Nonogram puzzles. We formulate Nonograms as Boolean satisfiability (SAT) problems and analyze solver-derived metrics such as decisions, propagations, and conflicts. Using these metrics, we generate and select puzzles across a range of computational difficulty levels.
To evaluate human difficulty, we conduct a web-based human-subject study measuring solving time, actions, hints, and subjective difficulty ratings. By comparing solver-based metrics with human performance, this work aims to identify computational indicators that better reflect human puzzle difficulty and support the generation of human-aligned Nonogram puzzles.
Co-supervised by Professor Alice Gao and Professor Jonathan Calver at the University of Toronto.
Poster presented at the CSSU Undergraduate Research Conference, University of Toronto (2026). [View Poster]
Monte Carlo Tree Search for Othello May 2025 - Aug 2025
Related fields: Artificial Intelligence, Search Algorithms
In the second phase of the project, I focused on advanced AI techniques for strategic gameplay in Othello. I implemented multiple Monte Carlo Tree Search (MCTS) agents, exploring various configurations including random and heuristic-based rollout policies, partial and full expansion strategies, and tuning of exploration constants. I conducted large-scale performance evaluations to study how these design choices impact win rates and efficiency.
Supervised by Professor Alice Gao at the University of Toronto.
Poster presented at the Undergraduate Summer Research Showcase, University of Toronto (2025). [View Poster]
Designing and Implementing AI Agents for Othello Jan 2025 - Apr 2025
Related fields: Artificial Intelligence, Game AI
I designed and implemented a fully functional Othello (Reversi) game engine in Python, supporting human input, random agents, and AI agents. This included developing the full game logic—legal move generation, disc flipping, and end-game detection—within a modular architecture. I built several game-playing agents, including a minimax search agent enhanced with alpha-beta pruning and various heuristic functions such as coin parity, mobility, stability, and corner control. The system was equipped with a flexible command-line interface and supported automated batch evaluations between agents for performance testing under different settings.
Supervised by Professor Alice Gao at the University of Toronto.
Poster presented at the Undergraduate Summer Research Showcase, University of Toronto (2025). [View Poster]
VR Backend Framework for Cilindir Jan 2025 - Present
Related fields: Computer Vision, Artificial Intelligence, Real-Time Systems
As part of a collaborative project with the startup Cilindir, I am working with a team to develop a backend framework that supports lifelike avatar generation and real-time manipulation for their virtual reality (VR) pod. This framework processes input from a network of cameras to generate and continuously update 3D avatars based on user movement. Leveraging machine learning techniques and real-time rendering technologies, the project aims to create an immersive, wearables-free virtual communication experience.
Weather Weavers Sep 2023 - Dec 2023
Related fields: Software Design
In a team of four, I developed a Java-based weather application that integrated real-time data using external APIs. By applying Clean Architecture and adhering to SOLID principles, I ensured the project maintained modularity and scalability. Additionally, I conducted comprehensive testing and debugging, which significantly improved the application’s reliability and overall user experience.