Fan Zhang
About Fan Zhang
Fan Zhang is a Senior Researcher at Chainlink Labs, where he has worked since 2020. He holds a PhD in Computer Science from Cornell University and has a research focus on system security, cryptocurrencies, trusted hardware, and applied cryptography.
Work at Chainlink Labs
Fan Zhang has been serving as a Senior Researcher at Chainlink Labs since 2020. In this role, he focuses on advancing research related to blockchain technology and its applications. His work contributes to the development of secure and efficient decentralized systems, aligning with Chainlink's mission to enhance the capabilities of smart contracts through reliable data feeds and secure interactions.
Education and Expertise
Fan Zhang completed his PhD in Computer Science at Cornell University from 2014 to 2020. His academic background also includes a Bachelor of Engineering in Electronic Engineering from Tsinghua University, which he obtained from 2010 to 2014. His research interests lie at the intersections of system security, cryptocurrencies, trusted hardware, and applied cryptography, showcasing his expertise in these critical areas.
Background
Before joining Chainlink Labs, Fan Zhang held various positions in academia and industry. He worked as a Research Scientist at Oasis Labs from 2018 to 2019 and served as an Assistant Professor in Computer Science at Duke University from 2021 to 2022. Additionally, he has experience as a Software Engineer Intern at Intel Corporation and as a Distributed Ledger Team Intern at Intel Labs, providing him with a diverse background in both research and practical applications.
Research Contributions
During his PhD studies at Cornell University, Fan Zhang created significant projects such as Town Crier and DECO, which focus on enhancing the security and privacy of blockchain applications. His ongoing research continues to explore the integration of trusted hardware with blockchain technology, contributing to advancements in system security and applied cryptography.
Current Academic Role
Fan Zhang is currently an Assistant Professor in Computer Science at Yale University, a position he has held since 2022. He is also set to return to Duke University as an incoming assistant professor. His academic roles involve teaching and mentoring students while continuing his research in computer science, particularly in areas related to blockchain and security.