YUXI ZHAO

Email: yzz0171@auburn.edu; Cell: +1(334)524-7298

OVERVIEW

Result-driven researcher with a strong background in federated learning and data crowdsourcing. Skilled at theoretical analysis, truthful incentive mechanism design, differential privacy, and multi-armed bandits problems. Solid mathematical background and coding ability. Effective communicator and team leader with ability to manage collaboration projects and present works to all-level audiences.

EDUCATION

Doctor of Philosophy in Electrical Engineering                                                                       08/2018-12/2022

Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA

Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering                                                                     08/2021-12/2022

Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA

Master of Engineering in Communication Engineering                                                        09/2015-06/2018

Harbin Engineering University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China

• Third-class scholarship for postgraduates in October 2016

• First-class scholarship for postgraduates in October 2015

International Exchange Program in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering 02-05/2016

Western New England University, Springfield, MA, USA

Bachelor of Engineering in Electronic and Information Engineering                                   09/2011-06/2015

Harbin Engineering University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China          

• Scholarship for Top 15 Students: All academic years from 2012 to 2014

PUBLICATIONS

Journal Articles

2. Y. Zhao, X. Gong, F. Lin and X. Chen, "Data Poisoning Attacks and Defenses in Dynamic Crowdsourcing with Online Data Quality Learning," IEEE Transactions on Mobile Computing, 2021

1. Y. Zhao, X. Gong and X. Chen, "Privacy-Preserving Incentive Mechanisms for Truthful Data Quality in Data Crowdsourcing," IEEE Transactions on Mobile Computing, 2020

Conference Proceedings

6. Y. Zhao, X. Gong, S. Mao, "Truthful Incentive Mechanism for Federated Learning with Crowdsourced Data Labeling," IEEE INFOCOM, 2023

5. D. Li, Y. Zhao and X. Gong, "Quality-Aware Distributed Computation and Communication Scheduling for Fast Convergent Wireless Federated Learning," WiOpt, 2021

4. Y. Zhao and X. Gong, "Quality-Aware Distributed Computation for Cost-Effective Non-Convex and Asynchronous Wireless Federated Learning," WiOpt, 2021

3. Y. Zhao and X. Gong, "Quality-Aware Distributed Computation and User Selection for Cost-Effective Federated Learning," IEEE INFOCOM Workshops, 2021

2. Y. Zhao and X. Gong, "Truthful Quality-Aware Data Crowdsensing for Machine Learning," SECON, 2019

1. Y. Zhao, L. Qi, Z. Dou and R. Zhou, "MIMO waveform design using Spectrally Modulated Spectrally Encoded (SMSE) framework," ICCSNT, 2016                                                                                                                                             

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

Graduate Research Assistant | Auburn University                                                                   2018-2022

Truthful Incentive Mechanism for Federated Learning with Crowdsourced Data Labeling

• Analyzed the impact of the strategic behavior of clients on the training loss of Federated Learning

• Devised Labeling and Computation Effort and local Model Elicitation (LCEME) mechanisms

Quality-Aware Distributed Computation and User Selection for Cost-Effective Federated Learning

• Analyzed the impact of quality of clients on the training loss of Federated Learning

• Developed cost-effective dynamic distributed learning algorithms for FL in wireless networks

Data Poisoning Attacks and Defenses in Dynamic Crowdsourcing with Online Data Quality Learning

• Devised malicious data attacks on dynamic crowdsourcing and characterized the conditions under which the attack is effective

• Developed online quality learning algorithm as a defense mechanism against the data poisoning attack

Privacy-Preserving Incentive Mechanisms for Truthful Data Quality in Data Crowdsourcing

• Devised Single-task and Multi-task Privacy-preserving crowdsourcing mechanisms for truthful Data Quality Elicitation (S-PDQE and M-PDQE)

• Designed differentially private task allocation and data aggregation algorithms

Truthful Quality-Aware Data Crowdsensing for Machine Learning

• Devised truthful quality-aware crowdsensing mechanisms based on machine learning model

• Investigated the socially optimal and the requester's optimal effort assignments

Visiting Scholar | Western New England University                                                                02-05/2016

Adaptive Pulse Compression based Software Defined Radar Implementation and Demonstration

• Implemented APC (Adaptive Pulse Compression) algorithm using MATLAB

• Demonstrated the SDRadar system using USRP

• Got the acceptance notification from QRS2017

Graduate Research Assistant | Harbin Engineering University                                               2015-2018

Design and Parameter Optimization Selection of MIMO Waveform Generator Based on SMSE

• Developed the MIMO SMSE model which generates the transmit waveforms of multiple systems

• Proposed a MIMO SMSE model based on soft decision

• Developed frequency selection algorithm based on intelligent soft decision to maximize system throughput

Data Analytics and Feature Extraction for Wireless Communications                     

• Analyzed data and extract features for wireless signal detection and classification

• Implemented convolutional encoding and Viterbi decoding using Matlab

• Differentiated modulation mode with eye diagram

SMSE-based Dynamic Frequency Spectrum Access                             

• Analyzed Bit Error Rate (BER) statistically

• Designed and analyzed wireless channel model

WORK EXPERIENCE

Lab Instructor                                                                                                                                       2020-2022                                          

• Digital System Design (Undergraduate curriculum)                                           

Intern                                                                                                                                                          07/2014

Neusoft Group CO., Ltd, Shenyang, Liaoning, China                                                                                                                                                 

• Developed an embedded palmtop for doctors

• Had a good mastery of development tools, including XP hyper terminal, Linux, mini2440 etc.

HONOURS

• INFOCOM 2021 Student Conference Award                                                                                      03/2021

• ICCNT 2016 Best Student Paper Award                                                                                             12/2016

• Silver Award in Second “Jinhe” Cup Dancing Contest in Northeast China Region (Youth Group)  09/2014

• Excellent League Member                                                                                                                   05/2014

• Excellent Student Cadre in the 2012 to 2013 academic year                                                              10/2013

• Advanced Individual for Organization Work (Twice)                                                        12/2012&12/2011

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Member of Feilu Dance Troupe                                                                                                    09/2012-09/2016

Director of Students’ Association Union in Harbin Engineering University                               09/2012-09/2013

TECHNICAL SKILLS

Background: Federated Learning, Data Crowdsourcing, Economic Mechanism, Multi-Armed Bandits, Differential Privacy, Optimization, Statistic, Data Analytics

Programming: MATLAB, Python, Verilog, VHDL

Languages: Native in Chinese, Fluent in English