https://www.brianzhou.org/publications Publications and working papers from Brian Zhou. en-us hello@zhoubrian.com (Brian Zhou) hello@zhoubrian.com (Brian Zhou) Sat, 27 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.brianzhou.org/publications#weakening-the-voting-rights-act-reduces-minority-representation-and-electoral-competition#weakening-the-voting-rights-act-reduces-minority-representation-and-electoral-competition-preprint https://www.brianzhou.org/publications#weakening-the-voting-rights-act-reduces-minority-representation-and-electoral-competition Redistricting-simulation estimates of how the Supreme Court decision in Louisiana v. Callais, which weakened the Voting Rights Act, affects minority representation and electoral competition in the U.S. House. Sat, 27 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT hello@zhoubrian.com (Brian Zhou) PublicationsPreprint https://doi.org/10.7910/DVN/A3SE7Y#50-state-redistricting-simulations-for-the-2020-redistricting-cycle-after-louisiana-v-callais-harvard-dataverse https://doi.org/10.7910/DVN/A3SE7Y Sampled districting plans and accompanying summary statistics for all 50 U.S. states, enabling simulation-based evaluation of enacted congressional districts. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT hello@zhoubrian.com (Brian Zhou) DatasetsHarvard Dataverse https://www.hks.harvard.edu/centers/mrcbg/publications/awp/awp251#governance-at-a-crossroads-artificial-intelligence-and-the-future-of-innovation-in-america-ssrn https://www.hks.harvard.edu/centers/mrcbg/publications/awp/awp251 We present ACO-ToT, an algorithm that leverages fine-tuned LLM "ants" guided by ant colony optimization to efficiently uncover optimal reasoning paths for complex problems. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT hello@zhoubrian.com (Brian Zhou) PublicationsSSRN https://arxiv.org/abs/2501.19278#pheromone-based-learning-of-optimal-reasoning-paths-arxiv https://arxiv.org/abs/2501.19278 We present ACO-ToT, an algorithm that leverages fine-tuned LLM "ants" guided by ant colony optimization to efficiently uncover optimal reasoning paths for complex problems. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT hello@zhoubrian.com (Brian Zhou) PublicationsarXiv https://arxiv.org/abs/2501.19318#mindstores-memory-informed-neural-decision-synthesis-for-task-oriented-reinforcement-in-embodied-systems-iclr-workshop-on-reasoning-and-planning-for-llms-arxiv https://arxiv.org/abs/2501.19318 We present MINDSTORES, an experience-augmented planning framework that enables embodied agents to build and leverage mental models through natural interaction, improving zero-shot LLM planning for complex open-world tasks. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT hello@zhoubrian.com (Brian Zhou) PublicationsICLR Workshop on Reasoning and Planning for LLMs; arXiv https://www.supremecourt.gov/search.aspx?filename=/docket/docketfiles/html/public/24a886.html#brief-of-student-political-research-initiative-for-new-governance-spring-and-youth-scholars-as-amici-curiae-in-support-of-respondents-supreme-court-of-the-united-states--trump-v-casa-inc-nos-24a884-24a885-24a886 https://www.supremecourt.gov/search.aspx?filename=/docket/docketfiles/html/public/24a886.html Amicus brief in the consolidated birthright-citizenship stay applications, urging the Court to leave the preliminary injunctions in place while the litigation proceeds. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT hello@zhoubrian.com (Brian Zhou) Court BriefsSupreme Court of the United States — Trump v. CASA, Inc. (Nos. 24A884, 24A885, 24A886) https://www.brianzhou.org/##pheromone-based-learning-of-optimal-reasoning-paths-invited-talk https://www.brianzhou.org/# One-line summary of the talk or poster. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT hello@zhoubrian.com (Brian Zhou) PresentationsInvited talk https://www.mdpi.com/2313-7673/9/7/434#insights-into-flexible-bioinspired-fins-for-unmanned-underwater-vehicle-systems-through-deep-learning-biomimetics-neurips-workshop-on-machine-learning-and-the-physical-sciences https://www.mdpi.com/2313-7673/9/7/434 We introduce forward neural network models that integrate fin stiffness to predict UUV kinematics, thrust, and efficiency, improving performance in bio-inspired fin designs. Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT hello@zhoubrian.com (Brian Zhou) PublicationsBiomimetics; NeurIPS Workshop on Machine Learning and the Physical Sciences https://aapor.confex.com/aapor/2024/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/3181#a-framework-to-apply-natural-language-processing-techniques-to-analyze-public-opinions-on-peace-and-governance-in-africa-aapor-conference https://aapor.confex.com/aapor/2024/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/3181 We aggregate corpora from UN General Debates and emerging media for conflict prediction. Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT hello@zhoubrian.com (Brian Zhou) PublicationsAAPOR Conference https://aapor.confex.com/aapor/2024/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/2503#analyzing-post-covid-19-changes-to-voter-behavior-and-early-voting-trends-in-virginia-aapor-conference https://aapor.confex.com/aapor/2024/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/2503 We analyze changes in early voting and absentee voting rates in Virginia since the 2020 General Election, examining factors like voter enthusiasm, party initiatives, and political issues to understand post-COVID voting behavior. Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT hello@zhoubrian.com (Brian Zhou) PublicationsAAPOR Conference https://ojs.aaai.org/index.php/AAAI/article/view/30538#power-aware-inverse-search-machine-learning-for-low-resource-multi-objective-unmanned-underwater-vehicle-control-aaai-conference-on-artificial-intelligence https://ojs.aaai.org/index.php/AAAI/article/view/30538 Developed power-aware machine learning models for underewater vehicle control, improving efficiency while maintaining performance. Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT hello@zhoubrian.com (Brian Zhou) PublicationsAAAI Conference on Artificial Intelligence https://www.brianzhou.org/static/research/posters/2024_qlab_agents.pdf#development-of-quantum-machine-learning-agents-to-model-simple-economies-working-paper https://www.brianzhou.org/static/research/posters/2024_qlab_agents.pdf We propose a new approach to agent-based modeling that integrates quantum computing, creating adaptive learning agents to simulate decision-making in complex environments, offering performance benefits over traditional models. Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT hello@zhoubrian.com (Brian Zhou) Working PapersWorking Paper https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4795120#recommendations-for-increased-financial-literacy-in-american-high-schools-ssrn https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4795120 This paper reviews gaps in U.S. high-school financial literacy education, including inconsistent curricula, weak measurement standards, and limited long-term retention evidence. It identifies methodological shortcomings in existing assessments and highlights the need for stronger data systems. The recommendations focus on standardized curricula, better incentives and resources, and stronger institutional/government collaboration. Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT hello@zhoubrian.com (Brian Zhou) PolicySSRN https://www.brianzhou.org/static/publications/writing/2024_ai_paradigm.pdf#the-ai-paradigm-crafting-sustainable-growth-for-an-intelligent-economy-united-states-national-economics-team--2024-global-economics-challenge https://www.brianzhou.org/static/publications/writing/2024_ai_paradigm.pdf A policy paper on harnessing the economic power of A.I. for equitable, sustainable growth — addressing implementation lag, monopolistic structures, and labor-market effects. Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT hello@zhoubrian.com (Brian Zhou) Public WritingUnited States National Economics Team · 2024 Global Economics Challenge https://doi.org/10.32614/CRAN.package.alarmdata#alarmdata-download-merge-and-process-redistricting-data-r-package--cran https://doi.org/10.32614/CRAN.package.alarmdata R package to download, merge, and prepare redistricting data and simulated district plans from the ALARM Project's 50-State Redistricting Simulations. Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT hello@zhoubrian.com (Brian Zhou) SoftwareR package · CRAN https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/10534975#analyzing-the-discourse-in-the-un-for-crisis-response-in-post-colonial-africa-ieee-mit-urtc https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/10534975 We analyze the UN General Debate Corpus to track the influence of African post-colonial states, using natural language processing to forecast shifts in global priorities and the efficacy of crisis resolution measures. Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT hello@zhoubrian.com (Brian Zhou) PublicationsIEEE MIT URTC https://ojs.aaai.org/index.php/AAAI/article/view/26863#data-driven-machine-learning-models-for-a-multi-objective-flapping-fin-unmanned-underwater-vehicle-control-system-aaai-conference-on-artificial-intelligence https://ojs.aaai.org/index.php/AAAI/article/view/26863 We develop a search-based inverse model that leverages a kinematics-to-thrust neural network to determine flapping fin kinematics achieving target thrust and smooth transitions, enabling real-time control adjustments for UUV propulsion. Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT hello@zhoubrian.com (Brian Zhou) PublicationsAAAI Conference on Artificial Intelligence https://blog.genlaw.org/papers.html#licensing-training-data-and-attributing-copyright-of-derivative-content-from-large-language-models-can-resolve-up--and-downstream-copyright-issues#licensing-training-data-and-attributing-copyright-of-derivative-content-from-large-language-models-can-resolve-up--and-downstream-copyright-issues-icml-workshop-on-generative-ai-and-the-law https://blog.genlaw.org/papers.html#licensing-training-data-and-attributing-copyright-of-derivative-content-from-large-language-models-can-resolve-up--and-downstream-copyright-issues We propose an opt-in system with multimodal similarity measures and metadata tagging for fair IP compensation and attribution, resolving copyright disputes over LLM-generated content. Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT hello@zhoubrian.com (Brian Zhou) PublicationsICML Workshop on Generative AI and the Law https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4652758#youth-perspectives-and-recommendations-for-the-united-nationss-high-level-advisory-board-on-artificial-intelligence-foundational-papers-of-the-united-nations-high-level-advisory-body-on-ai https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4652758 We propose the establishment of a dedicated youth group on AI within global governance frameworks, ensuring youth representation in discussions on data privacy, ethical AI, and the digital divide to foster positive AI solutions. Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT hello@zhoubrian.com (Brian Zhou) PolicyFoundational Papers of the United Nations High-level Advisory Body on AI https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4592939#policy-proposals-for-the-united-kingdoms-national-quantum-strategy-for-the-united-kingdoms-department-for-science-innovation-and-technology https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4592939 This brief calls on the UK to invest in quantum literacy and youth advocacy initiatives alongside robust policy frameworks that bolster national security and international cooperation, securing its leadership in the emerging quantum revolution. Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT hello@zhoubrian.com (Brian Zhou) Policyfor the United Kingdom's Department for Science, Innovation and Technology https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4408880#report-on-high-speed-rail-recommendations-for-a-new-era-of-american-infrastructure-ssrn https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4408880 This report examines why U.S. high-speed rail projects continue to stall despite strong economic and environmental upside. It maps key stakeholders, incentive structures, and policy bottlenecks across state and federal levels. The paper proposes concrete government actions to accelerate construction, reduce barriers, and support a viable national HSR network. Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT hello@zhoubrian.com (Brian Zhou) PolicySSRN https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4607088#report-on-minimum-wage-federal-and-state-recommendations-ssrn https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4607088 This report evaluates federal and state pathways to raise minimum wages amid post-pandemic labor stress and inflation. It analyzes political and economic stakeholders affecting adoption and implementation. The recommendations outline coordinated policy actions to improve wage equity and support upward mobility for low-wage workers. Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT hello@zhoubrian.com (Brian Zhou) PolicySSRN https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4652240#recommendations-to-combat-child-exploitation-in-social-media-ssrn https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4652240 This paper analyzes the growing commercialization of child-centered social media content and associated exploitation risks. It documents how current platform dynamics can incentivize privacy harms and abuse in family-content ecosystems. The report advances policy recommendations to better protect minors online while improving accountability for creators and platforms. Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT hello@zhoubrian.com (Brian Zhou) PolicySSRN https://www.brianzhou.org/assets/files/nhd2023.pdf#the-modern-american-research-multiversity-national-history-day-competition https://www.brianzhou.org/assets/files/nhd2023.pdf Analysis of how European university models influenced American higher education and innovation. Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT hello@zhoubrian.com (Brian Zhou) Public WritingNational History Day Competition https://arxiv.org/abs/2310.14135#computational-approaches-for-modeling-power-consumption-on-an-underwater-flapping-fin-propulsion-system-aaai-symposium-on-knowledge-guided-machine-learning https://arxiv.org/abs/2310.14135 We develop a non-dimensional figure of merit (FOM) to evaluate fin designs and kinematics for bio-inspired UUVs, using computational models to predict thrust, power, and efficiency, optimizing gait performance and material selection. Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT hello@zhoubrian.com (Brian Zhou) PublicationsAAAI Symposium on Knowledge-Guided Machine Learning https://osf.io/preprints/5jkum#identification-of-ocular-biomarkers-for-the-development-of-an-early-stage-diagnostic-tool-for-neurodegenerative-disease-osf-preprints https://osf.io/preprints/5jkum We identify ocular biomarkers and define data collection procedures for saccade and pursuit tasks to develop a gaze-based diagnostic tool for early neurodegenerative disease detection. Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT hello@zhoubrian.com (Brian Zhou) PublicationsOSF Preprints