ABOUT
This is my about page. :wave:
I am Kaiwen Lin, a Data Engineering and AI enthusiast currently pursuing my Master’s in Information Science at The University of Texas at Austin (Class of 2026).
I specialize in building scalable data pipelines and intelligent systems. My technical foundation is built on intensive coursework in Deep Learning, Algorithms, Data Warehousing, and Cloud Computing, combined with a rigorous analytical background from my past career in research.
Before transitioning into tech, I built my academic foundation in social sciences and international relations, where I explored how data and information shape human behavior and global governance. My research was recognized across several leading publications and institutions, including:
Reprinted in the July 2022 Issue 7 of Chinese Social Science Digest
Excerpted in the full text of the International Trade (Vol.1 in 2023) of Information Center for Science, Renmin University of China;
Recognized as “Top 10 Best Chinese Papers in Global Governance in 2022” by the World Economic Yearbook;
Included in the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences Yearbook Volume 2023.
You can read more of my earlier works on CNKI.
📸 Creative & Athletic Pursuits
I believe that technical discipline and creative expression go hand in hand. Beyond the terminal, I wear a few different hats:
- Freelance Photographer: I co-founded a photo studio, capturing everything from corporate conferences to graduation portraits. I enjoy the challenge of finding the perfect frame to tell a story.
- Fitness & Strength: During my undergraduate years, I worked as a part-time fitness coach. Today, I’ve shifted from marathons (Beijing, Shanghai, Dalian) to Powerlifting, with a current Total of 480 kg (S/B/D).
Born in Shandong and raised in Shanghai, I’ve always been drawn to the intersection of technology, culture, and human experience. Now in Austin, I’m excited to continue growing as a data-driven engineer with a human touch—ready to build, learn, and create impact.
Since 2018, I’ve been conquering marathons in Dalian, Beijing, and Shanghai:runner:. But lately, my passion has shifted to strength training, reserving long runs for my cutting phases. 
In my pursuit of physical fitnessđź’Ş, I’ve dedicated six years to strength training, focusing on powerlifting. I take pride in my personal record of lifting a whopping 480 kg across the three major lifts: bench press, deadlift, and deep squat. It’s not just lifting weights; it’s lifting my spirit!
I’m an avid gamer:video_game:. My gaming palette enjoys a mix of open-world adventures, role-playing, shooting, and action games. Dark Souls, Elden Ring, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Siege, Death Stranding, Monster Hunter, The Legend of Zelda, and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim keep me glued to the screen, exploring endless possibilities.
Hidetaka Miyazaki stands as my icon in the gaming world. His masterpieces Dark Souls and Elden Ring have left an indelible mark on me, inspiring awe and admiration.
In the academic realm, I look up to scholars like Francis Fukuyama and Thomas Piketty, whose insights into societal structures and economic inequalities have shaped my understanding of the world. I keep a keen eye on global trade governance and the pressing issue of inequality⚖️. These subjects are close to my heart, driving my academic pursuits and shaping my world view.
Rooted in the coastal province of Shandong, China, and raised in the bustling city of Shanghai, my journey has been a blend of diverse experiences and cultures, fueling my passion for understanding the world in its myriad hues. I’m excited about where this journey will take me next!🌟
