Runnel Zhang

Mentors

Research Advisors

Current formal supervision and guidance in the field of Artificial Intelligence.

Zheni Zeng

Assistant Professor, School of Intelligent Science and Technology, Nanjing University

Prof. Zeng serves as my academic advisor. I am joining her research group at Nanjing University, where I will be conducting research on AI for Science (AI4Sci) and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG). Her expertise provides the essential guidance and institutional framework for my transition into advanced AI research.

Ziyu Zhou

Research Collaborator; MSRA Intern; M.S., Czech Technical University

Ziyu is a primary mentor and a close collaborator in my current research. We are actively working on AI for Mathematics (AI4Math), where he provides critical technical guidance and strategic insights. His mentorship has been instrumental in bridging my background in formal mathematics with the frontiers of deep learning.

Intellectual Mentors

Scholars who have shaped my mathematical intuition, philosophical outlook, and academic rigor.

Keyao Peng

Ph.D. in Algebraic Geometry, Université Grenoble Alpes; Postdoctoral Researcher at University of Burgundy

Served as my academic mentor for three years during my experience at Geek College, with sustained communication spanning the subsequent six years. His guidance has exerted a formative influence on my research trajectory, covering a broad spectrum of fields including Boolean algebra, category theory, Topos theory, homotopy type theory (HoTT), linear logic, and the controversial inter-universal Teichmüller theory (IUTT). My academic interests in mathematical logic, research focus on Voevodsky’s theories, intellectual curiosity about Lacan and Saussure, as well as academic inclination toward French scholarship, all originate from his inspiration. He has been a guiding light in my academic journey, and his metaphor that “Geek College is a bonfire that warms lost children” has become a touchstone for my academic pursuits.

Tom Leinster

Professor at the University of Edinburgh

Provided intermittent academic guidance for three years following the conclusion of my mentorship with Dr. Peng. His support included recommending key textbooks, clarifying foundational conceptual questions (e.g., those pertaining to groupoids), and engaging in discussions on academic and personal reflections. With official authorization, I have translated several of his papers. I once submitted a request for a letter of recommendation, which was not finalized due to deadline constraints. While I do not hold the status of his formal mentee, this request was made out of sincere reverence for his academic achievements and contributions, with full awareness of its presumptuous nature. His willingness to share knowledge with an aspiring researcher and his gentle guidance throughout this period constitute invaluable academic assets, for which I remain deeply grateful.

Early Guides

Predecessors who provided pivotal support during the initial stages of my academic journey.

Zhenyu Lu

M.S. in Algebraic Geometry, East China Normal University; Mathematics Coach, High School Affiliated to Nanjing Normal University

He patiently answered my numerous questions and offered detailed clarifications throughout my undergraduate mathematics studies.

Yiran Fang

M.S. in Computer Science, University of Science and Technology of China

His guidance has exerted a profound influence on my learning of information technology, as he was the one who initially set me on my technical journey.