Hi, I'm
Daniel Chang
Computational & Systems Biology @ UCLA
Biological Data Sciences Track
I build data pipelines, biological models, and full-stack web apps - turning messy biological data into clear, reproducible results.
About
UCLA
Sept 2022 – June 2026B.S. in Computational and Systems Biology, Biological Data Sciences Track
GPA: 3.8 / 4.0
Coursework
Experience
Researcher
Dec 2025 – June 2026
Researcher
Dec 2025 – June 2026- Built an automated Python pipeline using Cellpose's pretrained models to segment biomolecular condensates and nuclei in multi-channel Z-stack fluorescence microscopy images (55 slices), replacing a manual labeling workflow.
- Validated pipeline outputs against pre-labeled ROIs from the JABr dataset by computing condensate density, dilute density, and partition coefficients, comparing against established reference values.
- Extended the pipeline to automatically classify condensates as nuclear or cytoplasmic based on spatial overlap with segmented nuclei.
Learning Assistant
Jan 2026 – June 2026LS 30B: Mathematics for Life Scientists - UCLA
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Learning Assistant
Jan 2026 – June 2026LS 30B: Mathematics for Life Scientists - UCLA
▾- Led weekly Python lab sections of 30 students and office hours (15–20 students), teaching biological modeling concepts including ODE simulations, trajectory plotting, and eigenvalue analysis with NumPy, Matplotlib, and SciPy.
- Guided non-CS majors through debugging and conceptual understanding, consistently rated for clear explanations connecting code to lecture material.
- Broke complex problems into smaller steps to build student confidence and independent problem-solving skills.
“Daniel is a very effective LA and breaks down big, complex topics into smaller, more understandable chunks. He is very approachable and is extremely helpful. I would choose Daniel any day of the week!”
“You explain the coding in a very clear way and I actually feel like I don't just have the right code, but also understand what I am doing with the code and what it means. I genuinely think I would have failed all the labs without you, so thank you so much!!!”
“Daniel has been one of the most open and inviting LAs I have met. He perfectly managed to always make the environment friendly to the point I did not feel anxious to reach out for help.”
“He doesn't just give me the answer; rather, he guides me through the thought process and method to get the right answer, and is very clear in doing so.”
“It is very clear you are knowledgeable on our class material and our group always appreciates your help during lab. Congratulations on graduating!”
“My LA is able to explain the conceptual part of the labs, which helps me better understand why the coding happens. He breaks down the harder parts of the labs, which helps me a lot.”
“Very helpful and good at explaining the underlying meaning behind code so I know what I'm doing and why.”
“Thank you for all your help this quarter, you made the labs so much easier to understand!”
Full Stack Developer
Oct 2023 – Jan 2026
Full Stack Developer
Oct 2023 – Jan 2026- Developed web and mobile apps for Southern California non-profits alongside designers and developers, delivering features in weekly sprints.
- Turned Figma mock-ups into responsive React components and API endpoints while meeting weekly sprint goals.
- Mentored junior members through internal workshops on React patterns, Git workflows, and deployment best practices.
Private Tutor
Sept 2018 – PresentSelf-Employed
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Private Tutor
Sept 2018 – PresentSelf-Employed
▾- Tutoring 10+ students ranging from 3rd grade through high school juniors in English, Math (Algebra, Algebra 2, Trigonometry, Calculus), and AP Biology.
- Designed and assigned weekly homework tailored to each student's level and pace to reinforce lesson material.
- Adapted teaching strategies across a wide age and skill range, building strong rapport and measurable academic improvement.
Eagle Scout
Jan 2016 – Jan 2022Boy Scouts of America - Troop 499, Santa Clarita, CA
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Eagle Scout
Jan 2016 – Jan 2022Boy Scouts of America - Troop 499, Santa Clarita, CA
▾- Attained Eagle Scout, the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America, earned by roughly 6% of scouts through years of leadership, service, and merit badge achievement.
- Mentored new scouts in rank advancement and merit badge classes, gaining diverse outdoor and life skills.
- Planned and led a wood restoration project for a church structure, demonstrating project management and construction expertise.
Projects
Automated Fluorescence Image Analysis Pipeline
▾PythonCellposeImage Analysisscikit-image
Automated Fluorescence Image Analysis Pipeline
▾Python pipeline that segments nuclear biomolecular condensates in 3D from two-channel confocal Z-stacks using Cellpose and Laplacian-of-Gaussian spot detection, then measures partition coefficients - a from-scratch replacement for the manual Imaris workflow. Validated on the JABr construct (Pearson r = 0.942, MAE 12.9%). Ships as a web app, GUI, and CLI.
Gene Expression Age Prediction
▾Pythonscikit-learnPCApandas
Gene Expression Age Prediction
▾Python pipeline analyzing 2,153 GTEx RNA-seq samples across 26K+ genes; applied PCA, linear regression with 5-fold cross-validation, and 10,000-iteration bootstrap resampling to predict donor age across four human tissues.
NFκB Signaling Dynamics Model
▾PythonSciPyModeling
NFκB Signaling Dynamics Model
▾Delay differential equation model of NFκB inflammatory signaling with dual IκB feedback loops; ran parameter sweeps over promoter delay and IKK stimulus strength to characterize oscillation amplitude and frequency.
Hospital Data Quality Pipeline
▾SQLPySparkData Engineering
Hospital Data Quality Pipeline
▾SQL and PySpark pipeline that profiles and cleans 51K hospital patient records, detecting duplicates, invalid ICD-10 codes, and out-of-range vitals, then standardizing and outputting clean data.
Global Green Web App
▾Next.jsMongoDBReact
Global Green Web App
▾Next.js application for non-profit Global Green enhancing education through interactive lessons and quizzes. Built front-end interfaces and integrated MongoDB for dynamic content, collaborating closely with designers.
Teapot Gardens
▾React NativeExpoJavaScript
Teapot Gardens
▾React Native (Expo) mobile app built with LA Blueprint for the Teapot Gardens non-profit, streamlining event-planning workflows and improving volunteer retention. Cross-platform across iOS, Android, and web with a dedicated backend.
Pocket Studio
▾SwiftiOSUI/UX
Pocket Studio
▾iOS app in Swift built around an infinite-zoom mechanic that guides users through layered illustrations in a narrative-driven experience. Developed in close collaboration with illustrators, copywriters, and UI/UX designers.
Movie Database
▾C++Data StructuresAlgorithms
Movie Database
▾C++ application that manages and queries databases of hundreds of thousands of movies and users, with a recommendation engine built on a custom balanced-tree data structure for fast search and retrieval.
Peach Party Game
▾C++OOPGame Dev
Peach Party Game
▾C++ board game with player-controlled characters and AI opponents, built with object-oriented design (inheritance and polymorphism), collision detection, and input-driven movement over a provided graphics framework.
SIR Model Simulation
▾PythonSciPyJupyter
SIR Model Simulation
▾Python simulation of infectious-disease spread using the SIR (Susceptible–Infected–Recovered) model, with equilibrium and Jacobian stability analysis and numerical integration via SciPy's odeint.
Skills
Languages
Libraries
Tools
Contact
Open to research and software opportunities. The fastest way to reach me: