
My name is Ben Peng from Taiwan. As a Master of Computer Science (MCS) student at Rice University, my journey in mathematics began at the age of four when my parents recognized my aptitude and nurtured it through various learning materials. Between first and eighth grade, I participated in the IMTA math competitions eight times, earning awards each year. In junior high, I moved to Shanghai, which broadened my global perspective. I continued to excel in mathematics throughout high school, ultimately ranking first in both my high school and my university's mathematics department.
While studying mathematics, I discovered Harvard's CS50 online, sparking my passion for programming. I started by creating Python scripts and simple Pygame projects in my freshman year, then transferred to the Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering, where I learned web development and began exploring Node.js.
As a full-stack software engineering intern at Taiwan's National Center for High-performance Computing, I honed my web development skills and deepened my understanding of data flow by rendering complex 3D files. In my junior year, I built a personal URL shortener for more concise presentation links. By senior year, my growing interest in Linux led me to take System Administration at Yang Ming Chiao Tung University and a Linux course at National Central University, significantly enhancing my system administration capabilities and large codebase navigation skills.
Apart from my passion for mathematics and computer science, I enjoy sharing my perspectives on fashion trends through social media and documenting my daily outfits. This interest allows me to blend technology with creativity, reflecting a well-rounded approach that balances technical pursuits with artistic expression.
✨ Ayo, What's Poppin ✨