Karen Zhou

Karen Zhou

Computer Science + Business at Caltech

Phone 682-237-9848
School Caltech (Pasadena, CA 91125)

Hello! I'm Karen

I'm a senior double majoring in computer science and business at Caltech. My interests include machine learning/artificial intelligence, big data, and cloud computing. I'm passionate about building technical solutions that bridge cutting edge technology with real world needs.

Project Portfolio

Experience

June 2026 – August 2026 AI Engineering Intern
Redwood Trust, Inc.

Developed and deployed an end-to-end GenAI tool in production supporting users across multiple teams, using semantic analysis and contextual reasoning to identify loan guideline gaps and generate risk insights. Built an intelligent document processing pipeline using Azure Document Intelligence, OCR, and ML for complex financial documents. Designed Azure OpenAI workflows with LLM orchestration, prompt engineering, structured outputs, guardrails, and automated validation to deliver accurate, explainable results, reducing guideline review time and increasing review capacity while optimizing token usage, API costs, latency, scalability, and hallucination mitigation. Proposed and tested Generative Engine Optimization strategies to improve content discoverability, retrieval relevance, citation likelihood, and visibility across AI powered search platforms.

GenAILLM OptimizationLLM OrchestrationDocument IntelligenceAzure
June 2025 – September 2025 Intern
Plix AI

Built and deployed automated RFP analysis system using AI and Gemini API with JSON schema outputs; developed scalable audio processing microservice as part of a distributed backend pipeline, designing and integrating a Python-based speaker diarization module using ML embeddings into an event driven microservices architecture. Optimized AI inference throughput and cost; containerized backend services with Docker, deployed to Azure Functions with Cosmos DB and Azure Task orchestration. Leveraged Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud Platform for training, benchmarking, and cross-cloud deployments; created modular, testable code with emphasis on maintainability, scalability, and DevOps best practices. Shipped stakeholder-facing demos using React, Tailwind CSS, and HTML; refined tone/brand voice, and validated system robustness.

Gemini APIPythonAzureDockerReact
April 2025 – Present Bi 1 Teaching Assistant
Caltech

Serve as a course assistant for Caltech's introductory biology course, leading weekly recitation sections and hosting office hours to support student learning and engagement. Collaborate with faculty and TAs to develop and refine assignments, provide academic mentorship, and grade assessments with an emphasis on scientific reasoning and problem-solving.

Teaching
June 2024 – September 2024 Researcher in Astrophysics (SURF)
Caltech

Using multiple unsupervised machine learning techniques to analyze photometric light curves of young stars in order to further understanding of early star formation processes under the guidance of Professor Lynne Hillenbrand in the PMA department.

Unsupervised Machine LearningData ModelingPythonData Analysis
May 2024 – May 2026 Avionics Team
Caltech PARSEC

Developed backend logic for GUI features, integrating into a Python-based server to manage real-time data processing and system communication. Conducted system simulations using Gazebo in C++, enabling accurate testing and validation of system performance. Collaborated with a cross-functional team to enhance system reliability and optimize user interface interactions.

PythonC++SQLSystems
July 2023 – September 2023 Researcher in CMS Department (FSRI)
Caltech

Surveyed, categorized, and compared the different ways of perception-based control in terms of their robustness to perception perturbation, from both theoretical guarantees to simulation comparisons.

ResearchRoboticsControl Systems
May 2022 – August 2022 Swim Instructor
City of Southlake

Teaching swimming techniques, swimming strokes, and water safety rules to students with varying swimming abilities at Champions Club at The Marq.

Education

2023 – 2027 Bachelor of Science
Caltech

Double Major in CS and Business.

Relevant Coursework:

  • CS 155: Machine Learning and Data Mining
  • CS 38: Algorithms
  • CS 2: Programming Methods
  • CS 3: Software Design
  • CS 21: Decidability and Tractability
  • CS 24: Computing Systems
  • Me 8: Introduction to Robotics
  • Ma 1abc: Calculus of One and Several Variables and Linear Algebra
  • Ma 2: Differential Equations
  • Ma 3: Probability and Statistics
  • ACM 104: Linear Algebra
  • ACM 116: Probability Models
  • BEM 103: Finance
  • BEM 104: Investments
  • BEM 106: Data Science in Economics and Finance
  • Ec 122: Econometrics
Machine LearningAIAlgorithmsData StructuresFinanceEconomics
2019 – 2023 High School Diploma
Byron Nelson High School

GPA 4.0 out of 4.0, class rank 1 out of 625. SAT 1570 out of 1600 (top 1% in the nation). ACT 35 out of 36 (top 1% in the nation). PSAT/NMSQT 1510 out of 1520 (top 1% in the nation).

ValedictorianNational Merit FinalistAP Scholar with Distinction

Tools / Platforms

Languages

  • Python
  • C/C++
  • Java
  • SQL
  • OCaml
  • HTML
  • CSS
  • JavaScript

AI & ML

  • Generative AI
  • LLMs
  • RAG
  • AI Agents
  • Multi-Agent Systems
  • Vector Databases
  • NLP
  • Machine Learning
  • Computer Vision
  • Data Science

Frameworks

  • TensorFlow
  • PyTorch
  • Keras
  • scikit-learn
  • React
  • Tailwind
  • pandas
  • NumPy
  • JSON

Infrastructure

  • OpenAI API
  • Claude API
  • Microsoft Azure
  • GCP
  • PostgreSQL
  • MySQL
  • BigQuery
  • Git
  • Docker
  • Kubernetes

Skills

Python - Advanced
LLMs - Advanced
AI Agents - Proficient
Machine Learning - Advanced
Computer Vision - Advanced
Data Science - Proficient
Certified Oracle Cloud Professional
Azure - Proficient

Extracurriculars / Honors

NCAA Collegiate Student Athlete

Team captain; compete as an NCAA Division III swimmer for Caltech, scoring at the SCIAC (Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference), a highly competitive athletic conference featuring top-tier academic institutions in the region.

Health Advocate

Respond to situations within the campus community that requires emergency first-aid, attention to routine medical problems, peer counseling, or crisis intervention. Certified first responder with several Red Cross emergency services certifications upon completion of training.

Peer Advocate

Trained in mental health support, active listening, and crisis intervention in order to enhance the residential experience for students by providing resources, promote self-care, and foster a supportive and accountable community.

Valedictorian

Highest ranked student in the graduating class of 2023 at Byron Nelson High School based on weighted GPA.

2023 National Merit Finalist

Scored in the top 1% of 1.5 million high school students in the PSAT/NMSQT and judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills, and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

Northwest ISD Trustee Award of Excellence

The highest and most prestigious district award given annually to exceptional students. Received 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023.

Fighting Heart Award

Voted as the swimmer who most inspires others and positively represents the organization as a whole with their dedication to the sport, excellent citizenship, and exemplary academics. Received for the 2019-2020, 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23 seasons.

AP Scholar with Distinction

Demonstrated outstanding college-level achievement through high performance on multiple AP exams.

Contact

Phone 682-237-9848
School Caltech (Pasadena, CA 91125)