# Irene Y. Zhang

> computer scientist

**Wikidata**: [Q103227168](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q103227168)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/irene-y-zhang

## Summary
Irene Y. Zhang is a computer scientist and academic known for her research in operating systems. She earned her doctorate from the University of Washington in 2017, where her work focused on creating flexible, high-performance operating systems for mobile and cloud applications. Her academic research was conducted under the mentorship of prominent computer scientists Hank Levy and Arvind Krishnamurthy.

## Biography
- **Education:** Doctorate (PhD) in Computer Science and Computer Engineering, University of Washington (2017)
- **Known for:** Research on flexible, high-performance operating systems for mobile/cloud applications
- **Field(s):** Computer Science, Computer Engineering
- **Academic Advisors:** Hank Levy, Arvind Krishnamurthy
- **Alternate Names:** Irene Yun Zhang

## Contributions
Irene Y. Zhang has made contributions to the field of computer science through her academic research on operating systems. Her primary documented work is her doctoral thesis, titled "Towards a Flexible, High-performance Operating System for Mobile/cloud Applications," which she completed in 2017.

This research addresses the architectural needs of modern computing, specifically targeting the intersection of mobile technology and cloud infrastructure. By proposing a system that emphasizes both flexibility and high performance, her work tackles the challenges inherent in running applications across distributed and resource-constrained environments. Her research was supported by the University of Washington’s Department of Computer Science and Engineering.

Zhang’s academic career is further defined by her collaboration with established figures in the field. She conducted her doctoral research under the supervision of Hank Levy and Arvind Krishnamurthy, both of whom are recognized for their expertise in computer systems. This lineage places her work within a broader context of significant systems research. Her professional profile is also recorded in the Mathematics Genealogy Project under ID 252420, highlighting her formal standing within the academic community.

## FAQs

### Q: What is Irene Y. Zhang's field of study?
A: She is a computer scientist who specializes in computer engineering, with a specific focus on operating systems for mobile and cloud applications.

### Q: Where did Irene Y. Zhang receive her doctorate?
A: She received her doctorate from the University of Washington in 2017.

### Q: What was the title of Irene Y. Zhang's doctoral thesis?
A: Her thesis was titled "Towards a Flexible, High-performance Operating System for Mobile/cloud Applications."

### Q: Who were Irene Y. Zhang's doctoral advisors?
A: Her doctoral advisors were Hank Levy and Arvind Krishnamurthy.

## Why They Matter
Irene Y. Zhang matters to the field of computer science due to her specific focus on evolving operating system architectures to meet modern demands. As computing increasingly relies on the synergy between mobile devices and cloud infrastructure, the efficiency of the underlying operating system becomes critical. Zhang’s research addresses this directly by exploring how to make these systems both flexible—adapting to varying workloads and environments—and high-performing.

Her work is significant because it contributes to the foundational software that supports a vast array of modern digital services. By working on the "OS" layer, her research has the potential to impact battery life, processing speed, and the reliability of applications used by millions. Furthermore, her training under Hank Levy and Arvind Krishnamurthy at the University of Washington—a major hub for systems research—positions her contributions within a respected tradition of computer engineering. Her efforts help push the boundary of what is technically feasible in distributed and mobile computing, making her a relevant figure in the ongoing development of system software.

## Notable For
- **Doctoral Research:** Authoring the thesis "Towards a Flexible, High-performance Operating System for Mobile/cloud Applications."
- **University of Washington Alumna:** Earning a PhD in Computer Science and Computer Engineering in 2017.
- **Academic Lineage:** Serving as a doctoral student to Hank Levy and Arvind Krishnamurthy, both notable figures in computer science.
- **Mathematics Genealogy Project:** Listed with ID 252420.
- **Focus on OS Innovation:** Contributing to the study of operating systems specifically designed for the unique constraints of mobile and cloud environments.

## Body

### Academic Background
Irene Y. Zhang, also known as Irene Yun Zhang, is a computer scientist who pursued her advanced studies at the University of Washington. She completed her academic training with a focus on both computer science and computer engineering.

### Doctoral Research
In 2017, Zhang successfully defended her doctoral thesis, "Towards a Flexible, High-performance Operating System for Mobile/cloud Applications." The research was supervised by a committee headed by Hank Levy and Arvind Krishnamurthy.
*   **Hank Levy:** An American computer scientist and academic known for his work in operating systems and computer architecture.
*   **Arvind Krishnamurthy:** An American computer scientist and academic specializing in computer systems and networking.

### Research Focus
Zhang's work is centered on the evolution of operating systems. Her thesis title indicates a dual focus:
1.  **Flexibility:** Adapting system resources dynamically to fit the needs of varied applications.
2.  **High Performance:** Ensuring that these adaptations do not degrade the speed or responsiveness required by modern mobile and cloud workloads.

Her academic record is maintained as part of the WikiProject PCC Wikidata Pilot for the University of Washington, underscoring the verification of her credentials and academic contributions.

## Schema Markup
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## References

1. WorldCat
2. Mathematics Genealogy Project