About me

Hello! I am Kaining Zhang.

I recently joined the Quantitative life Sciences (QLS) department at International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) as an independent postdoc. My research interests center on biological models of memory and their links to other cognitive processes, including attention and decision-making.

Previously, I worked as a postdoc with Gaia Tavoni at Washington University in St. Louis, where I studied memory systems using tools from statistical physics, such as Hopfield networks.

Before that, I completed my Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering still at Washington University, where I worked in Ilya Monosov Lab, and was also advised by Ethan Bromberg-Martin. During my Ph.D., I conducted experiments and collected electrophysiology data to study how the brain processes novelty, surprise, and uncertainty.

I received my bachelor’s degree in Physics from University of Science and Technology of China (USTC).

My general interest is in uncovering the underlying principles and logic behind phenomena in both the natural and social worlds.

In the natural world, I enjoy studying mathematics and physics, which reveal the fundamental laws that govern our universe. I find joy in moments when learning reshapes my understanding.

In the social world, I am fascinated by the behavior of humans and other animals, and the algorithms that may underlie these behaviors.

Outside of research, I enjoy climbing, skiing/snowboarding, and stand-up comedy.