Derek Wang

Physics + Math @ Duke University
xiran [dot] wang [at] duke [dot] edu

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Applications open for DuQuantum 2026!

DuQuantum is the first annual quantum computing hackathon at Duke. We invite quantum enthusiasts to tackle challenges designed by industry leaders and gain experience with state-of-the-art quantum tools. All undergrad, Master’s and PhD students are eligible. Mailing list here.

APPLY HERE

About Me

I’m an undergrad at Duke University studying Physics and Mathematics, with a minor in Statistical Science. I’m interested in scientific machine learning theory/methods from a geometry and dynamics perspective. Specifics include

  • Theory: mathematical foundations of generative modeling, transformers
  • Methods: learning dynamics, physics-informed techniques
  • Applications: microbiology, materials, quantum chemistry

Recently I’ve become interested in quantum information and learning. I was born in Beijing, China. My given name is Xiran; I go by Derek.

I’ve put some notes and other stuff I’ve written here.

Experience

As part of the Lingchong You Lab, I work on ML for time-series parameter estimation and forecasting for bacterial growth.

As part of the Liberata Algorithms Team, I’m developing graph- and embedding-based algorithms for a new academic publishing system based on continuous authorship shares.

In Summer 2026, I was a research intern at Oak Ridge National Lab mentored by Stephan Irle and Max Lupo Pasini. Here I used GNNs to learn electron densities of drug-like molecules.

In Summer 2025, I was an AI R&D intern at Lenovo with the Cloud Service Providers, where I assembled an AI cluster testbed and looked at network optimization schemes.

Involvements

I lead the Research Committee for the Statistical Science Majors Union (SSMU), where I organize a seminar series and reading group on theory/methods in modern statistics. More here.

I am also a part of the Math Community Team in the Duke Math Department, where I help run undergrad activities, including a mini-colloquium series. I made some custom math board/party games here. I also serve as an Event Coordinator for the Society of Physics Students.

I’m a graphic designer of 8+ years. Lately I use Figma. I served as a co-director of HackDuke in 2025-2026, where I led the Design Team. I also design for the Duke Math Union, in particular the annual Duke Math Meet. See some past works here.

See some photos here.