Zhao Chen

Zhao Chen is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in artificial intelligence and machine learning, currently serving as the Director of AI/ML at Upwork since March 2024, focusing on the development of enterprise-grade GenAI systems. Previously, Zhao held significant roles including Staff Research Scientist at Cruise, leading research on AI model robustness for autonomous vehicles, and Senior Research Scientist at Waymo, specializing in computer vision and multitask learning in autonomous systems. The career also includes foundational work as a Lead Software Engineer and Senior Software Engineer in deep learning at Magic Leap and SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, respectively, along with roles in machine learning consulting and teaching at prestigious institutions such as Stanford University and Harvard University. Zhao holds a PhD in Physics and a minor in Statistics from Stanford University, a Master's degree in Physics from Stanford, and a Bachelor's degree in Physics and Mathematics from Harvard University.