Brady Zhou

I am a student researcher, developer, violinist, and student leader interested in how computer science can help us better understand people and respond to real needs.

Much of that interest grew from my relationship with my younger brother, Mason, who is autistic. During my sophomore year, he experienced a profound regression. Although his clinical MRI showed no structural abnormality, I was left wondering what changes in the brain might not be visible through conventional imaging. That question led me to study autism-related patterns in functional brain connectivity using resting-state fMRI. I developed a machine-learning research pipeline, investigated how validation methods and research-site differences could influence results, and ultimately presented the project as a Regeneron ISEF finalist.

At the same time, I watched my family navigate therapy notes, medical records, school documents, medications, and long periods of uncertainty. I began to see how fragmented information can make an already difficult process even harder. That experience inspired ParentLensAI, an AI-powered platform that uses large language models, retrieval-augmented generation, and vector search to help families organize and understand educational, medical, therapeutic, and daily-life information in one connected system.

Outside of technology, violin has taught me patience, discipline, and how to listen closely to others. Leadership roles in my school, student organizations, and community initiatives have taught me how to communicate, take responsibility, and help a group move toward a shared goal. Whether I am conducting research, building software, solving an engineering problem, rehearsing with an orchestra, or leading a team, I am drawn to the same process: observe carefully, ask better questions, collaborate thoughtfully, and build with purpose.