# Zhengde Zhao

> applied mathematician

**Wikidata**: [Q120754622](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q120754622)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/zhengde-zhao

## Summary
Zhengde Zhao, also known as Theodore Zhao, is an applied mathematician and applied scientist specializing in mathematical finance, data science, and machine learning. He currently serves as an applied scientist at Microsoft. Zhao completed his Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Mathematics at the University of Washington in 2022.

## Biography
- **Education:**
    - Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Applied Mathematics, University of Washington (2018–2022)
    - Master of Science (M.S.) in Applied Mathematics, University of Washington (2016–2018)
    - Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Physics, Fudan University (2012–2016)
- **Known for:** Applied mathematics, mathematical finance, machine learning.
- **Employer(s):** Microsoft (Applied Scientist, 2022–present)
- **Affiliation:** University of Washington Department of Mathematics
- **Field(s):** Mathematical finance, data science, machine learning
- **Doctoral Advisor:** Tim Leung

## Contributions
Zhengde Zhao has contributed to the academic and industrial application of advanced mathematical principles, specifically bridging the gap between theoretical finance and computational data science.

During his doctoral studies at the University of Washington (2018–2022), Zhao conducted research under the supervision of Tim Leung. His work focused on the intersection of mathematical finance and machine learning, exploring how algorithmic models can be applied to financial data problems. This academic period culminated in the completion of his Ph.D. dissertation and earned him the Mathematics Genealogy Project ID 286565.

Transitioning into the technology sector, Zhao joined Microsoft as an Applied Scientist in 2022. In this role, he leverages his background in applied mathematics and data science to develop software solutions and algorithms, contributing to the company's artificial intelligence and machine learning initiatives. His career trajectory represents a direct application of high-level quantitative research to practical technology development within a major multinational corporation. He maintains professional profiles on Semantic Scholar, ResearchGate, and LinkedIn, documenting his ongoing contributions to the field.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Zhengde Zhao's current job?
A: Zhengde Zhao is currently an Applied Scientist at Microsoft, a position he has held since 2022.

### Q: What field did Zhengde Zhao study?
A: He studied Applied Mathematics for his Master's and Ph.D. degrees at the University of Washington. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Fudan University.

### Q: Who was Zhengde Zhao's doctoral advisor?
A: His doctoral advisor was Tim Leung at the University of Washington.

### Q: What are Zhengde Zhao's primary research interests?
A: His primary fields of work include mathematical finance, data science, and machine learning.

## Why They Matter
Zhengde Zhao represents the modern integration of rigorous applied mathematics with the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence. His academic background in mathematical finance provides a strong theoretical foundation for complex modeling, which is increasingly vital in the tech industry for developing robust AI and machine learning systems.

By transitioning from a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics to a role at a leading technology corporation like Microsoft, Zhao exemplifies the critical role of mathematicians in shaping data science and AI methodologies. His work aids in the extraction of insights from complex data sets, contributing to the advancement of intelligent software behavior. His contributions matter because they help translate abstract mathematical concepts into tangible technological solutions that drive software development and data analysis standards.

## Notable For
- Holding a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics from the University of Washington.
- Working as an Applied Scientist at Microsoft.
- Research expertise in mathematical finance and machine learning.
- Being identified by the Library of Congress under the authority ID `no2023082632`.
- Academic lineage recorded in the Mathematics Genealogy Project (ID: 286565).

## Body

### Academic Background
Zhengde Zhao, who also goes by the alias Theodore Zhao, has a distinct educational trajectory rooted in quantitative sciences.
- **Undergraduate Studies:** He attended Fudan University from 2012 to 2016, earning a Bachelor of Science in Physics.
- **Graduate Studies:** He pursued graduate studies at the University of Washington Department of Mathematics.
    - He obtained a Master of Science in Applied Mathematics (2016–2018).
    - He completed his Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Mathematics (2018–2022).
- **Doctoral Research:** His dissertation work was chaired by Tim Leung. His research interests during this time were categorized under mathematical finance, data science, and machine learning.

### Professional Career
Zhengde Zhao entered the corporate technology sector immediately following his doctoral studies.
- **Microsoft:** In 2022, he began working as an Applied Scientist at Microsoft. His role involves the application of scientific principles and machine learning algorithms within the technology industry.
- **Industry Focus:** His work at Microsoft falls under the umbrella of artificial intelligence and software development, aligning with his background in data science and applied mathematics.

### Identifiers and Profiles
Zhengde Zhao is indexed in several academic and professional databases:
- **Library of Congress Authority ID:** no2023082632
- **VIAF ID:** 8521169084872090310007
- **Mathematics Genealogy Project ID:** 286565
- **Semantic Scholar Author ID:** 2152620874
- **LinkedIn:** zhengde-theodore-zhao

## References

1. WorldCat
2. [Source](https://www.linkedin.com/in/zhengde-theodore-zhao/)
3. [Source](https://amath.washington.edu/people/theodore-zhao)
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. Library of Congress Name Authority File