Welcome to my website!

My name is Ian Zhang, I’m a graduate student at the University of Toronto, currently working towards my masters in statistics, which I expect to obtain in June 2026. I recently received my Honours BSc in statistics and mathematics from UofT, from which I graduated with high distinction. In Fall 2026, I will starting my PhD in statistics; I have yet to decide where to pursue this degree.

My research interests lie mainly in asymptotic statistical theory and applications, Bayesian nonparametrics, and high-dimensional statistics. Some topics I’ve worked on include:

• Asymptotic statistical theory and stochastic convergence
• High-dimensional inference and regularized statistical learning
• Bayesian nonparametrics
• Variational inference for wide neural networks
• Heritability and adaptive variance component testing
• Spatial and hotspot testing (parametric and permutation-based methods)
• Deepfake detection with probabilistic machine learning models
• PCA-based subtype discovery in dementia research

I was previously a two-time Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada Undergraduate Student Research Award (NSERC USRA) awardee, conducting research under the supervision of Mike Kouritzin at the University of Alberta. Currently, I am researching variational methods for wide Bayesian neural networks with Thibault Randrianarisoa. I am also a graduate student researcher affiliated the Rotman Research Institute (RRI) at Baycrest, an academic health sciences center focused on geriatric care and dementia research, under the supervision of Malcolm Binns.