bz/research

Research

Publications

Pheromone-based Learning of Optimal Reasoning Paths

Pheromone-based Learning of Optimal Reasoning Paths

arXiv (under review), 2025

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.

PDFarXiv

MINDSTORES: Memory-Informed Neural Decision Synthesis for Task-Oriented Reinforcement in Embodied Systems

ICLR Workshop on Reasoning and Planning for LLMs; arXiv (under review), 2025

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.

Project PagePDFarXiv
Insights into Flexible Bioinspired Fins for Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Systems through Deep Learning

Insights into Flexible Bioinspired Fins for Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Systems through Deep Learning

NeurIPS Workshop on Machine Learning and the Physical Sciences, 2024

We introduce forward neural network models that integrate fin stiffness to predict UUV kinematics, thrust, and efficiency, improving performance in bio-inspired fin designs.

Insights into Flexible Bioinspired Fins for Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Systems through Deep Learning

Insights into Flexible Bioinspired Fins for Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Systems through Deep Learning

Biomimetics, 2024

We introduce forward neural network models that integrate fin stiffness to predict UUV kinematics, thrust, and efficiency, improving performance in bio-inspired fin designs.

PDFPubMed
A Framework to Apply Natural Language Processing Techniques to Analyze Public Opinions on Peace and Governance in Africa

A Framework to Apply Natural Language Processing Techniques to Analyze Public Opinions on Peace and Governance in Africa

Alvan ArulanduBrian Zhou
AAPOR Conference, 2024

We aggregate corpora from UN General Debates and emerging media for conflict prediction.

Analyzing Post-COVID-19 Changes to Voter Behavior and Early Voting Trends in Virginia

Analyzing Post-COVID-19 Changes to Voter Behavior and Early Voting Trends in Virginia

Brian Zhou
AAPOR Conference, 2024

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.

Power-Aware Inverse-Search Machine Learning for Low Resource Multi-Objective Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Control

Power-Aware Inverse-Search Machine Learning for Low Resource Multi-Objective Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Control

AAAI Conference on Artificial Intelligence, 2024

Developed power-aware machine learning models for underewater vehicle control, improving efficiency while maintaining performance.

Analyzing the Discourse in the UN for Crisis Response in Post-Colonial Africa

Analyzing the Discourse in the UN for Crisis Response in Post-Colonial Africa

Alvan ArulanduBrian Zhou
IEEE MIT URTC, 2023

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.

PDF
Data-Driven Machine Learning Models for a Multi-Objective Flapping Fin Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Control System

Data-Driven Machine Learning Models for a Multi-Objective Flapping Fin Unmanned Underwater Vehicle Control System

AAAI Conference on Artificial Intelligence, 2023

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.

PDF
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

Brian ZhouSritan Motati
ICML Workshop on Generative AI and the Law, 2023

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.

PDF
Computational Approaches for Modeling Power Consumption on an Underwater Flapping Fin Propulsion System

Computational Approaches for Modeling Power Consumption on an Underwater Flapping Fin Propulsion System

AAAI Symposium on Knowledge-Guided Machine Learning, 2022

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.

arXiv
Identification of Ocular Biomarkers for the Development of an Early Stage Diagnostic Tool for Neurodegenerative Disease

Identification of Ocular Biomarkers for the Development of an Early Stage Diagnostic Tool for Neurodegenerative Disease

OSF Preprints, 2022

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.

Working Papers

Development of Quantum Machine Learning Agents to Model Simple Economies

Development of Quantum Machine Learning Agents to Model Simple Economies

Matthew SprintsonBrian Zhou
Working Paper, 2024

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.

PosterSlides

Policy

Youth Perspectives and Recommendations for the United Nations's High-Level Advisory Board on Artificial Intelligence

Youth Perspectives and Recommendations for the United Nations's High-Level Advisory Board on Artificial Intelligence

Brian ZhouArik KarimAkshat AlokAnant KhandelwalRonit KapurOliver HuangHanming SunGia MendoncaSonny Chen
Foundational Papers of the United Nations High-level Advisory Body on AI, 2023

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.

Policy Proposals for the United Kingdom's National Quantum Strategy

Policy Proposals for the United Kingdom's National Quantum Strategy

Brian ZhouBrayden LeeArik KarimGia MendoncaHanming SunHyunjo KimOliver HuangAileen WuSebastian SaenzAanya BaddelaAnant KhandelwalVarun MukundVivian ZhuEnan Khan
for the United Kingdom's Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, 2023

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.

Public Writing

The Modern American Research Multiversity

The Modern American Research Multiversity

Brian Zhou
National History Day Competition, 2023

Analysis of how European university models influenced American higher education and innovation.