Zixu Wu
 |
B.S. in Mathematics |
Short Bio
I am currently a Full-time Research Engineer in the Computing and Mathematical Science Division at MBZUAI, working with Prof. Zhiqiang Xu. I earned my B.S. in Mathematics (Information and Computing Science) from Sun Yat-sen University (SYSU,中山大学) in 2025, recognized as an Outstanding Graduate (top 5%).
I am actively applying for PhD programs in Fall 2027. Feel free to reach out for academic discussions or potential collaborations via email.
Research Interests
I am broadly interested in how mathematical tools from Geometry and Analysis can be used to understand, analyze, and improve AI models, especially generative models and optimizers for deep learning. My current research interests are:
Mathematical Optimization: Non-Convex, Non-Linear, Zeroth-Order, Geometry-Aware, Edge of Stability (EoS), Evolution Strategy
Mathematics of Data Science: Non-Log-Concave Sampling, Functional Inequalities, Optimal Transport
Applications: Fine-tuning (PEFT)
Research Experience
Full-time Research Engineer, 2026 - now; Research Intern (Remote), 2024 - 2026
Supervised by Prof. Zhiqiang Xu (MBZUAI);
Riemannian Optimization, Muon, Dataset Distillation, Matrix Analysis.
Research Intern (Remote), 2025 - now;
Supervised by Prof. Difan Zou (HKU);
Theoretical Analysis of Diffusion Models and Flow Matching, Non-Log-Concave Sampling, Functional Inequalities.
Publications
Accepted papers
Geometry-aware (1+1)-ES for Black-Box Optimization with Intrinsic Dimension Guarantees. NeurIPS 2026
Path-Guided Flow Matching for Dataset Distillation. NeurIPS 2026
No-U-Turn Hamiltonian Optimization. NeurIPS 2026 Workshop on DynaFront
Beyond Sharpness: Two Local Stability Edges in Practical Muon. NeurIPS 2026 Workshop on DynaFront
Honors and Awards (Selected)
Outstanding Graduate Award (top 5%), Sun Yat-sen University.
First-Class Scholarship (top 5%), Sun Yat-sen University.
Moral Integrity Scholarship, Sun Yat-sen University.
Finalist (<1%) in Mathematical/Interdisciplinary Contest In Modeling in the United States.
Relevant Coursework (Selected)
Analysis & Equations
Mathematical Analysis II (94), Geometry and Algebra II (94), Partial Differential Equations (91), Functional Analysis (90), Complex Analysis(Grad, 93), Harmonic Analysis(Grad, 98)
Algorithm & Numerics
Advanced Language Programming (92), Algorithm Design and Analysis (94), Algorithm Design and Analysis Laboratory (96), Discrete Mathematics (94), Intelligent Algorithms and Applications (99), Numerical Linear Algebra (99), Numerical Solution of Differential Equations (93), Advanced Numerical Analysis (Grad, 96)
Stat & Data Science
Introduction to Statistics (96), Mathematical Statistics (96), Time Series Analysis (89), Operations Research (94), Stochastic Processes (92), College Physics (for Science) II (93), Advanced Statistics and Statistical Computation (Grad, 89), Optimization Theory and Methods (Grad, 92), Mathematical Foundations of Sparse Information Processing (Grad, 99), Data Mining (Grad, 91), Machine Learning (Grad, 90), Deep Learning (Grad, 92), Frontiers of Artificial Intelligence (Grad, 95), Advanced Artificial Intelligence (Grad, 94)
Teaching Experience
Teaching Assistant, ML8501 Algorithms for Big Data.
MBZUAI (Fall 2026);
Instructor: Prof. Zhiqiang Xu.
Teaching Assistant, MAZ344 Optimization.
Sun Yat-sen University (Spring 2025);
Instructor: Prof. Haifeng Liu.
Assisted the professor with comprehensive course support, including conducting weekly tutorial sessions, designing and grading assignments and exams, proctoring, and holding weekly office hours.
Programming Skills
Python, MATLAB, LaTeX
Miscellaneous
During my undergraduate at SYSU, I used to served as the Class President. I participated in the founding of the SYSU Fitness and Health Association and held the position of Vice President for Publicity.
I deeply admire Gustav Mahler(马勒)'s symphonic works, with special appreciation for his Symphonies No. 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, and The song of the Earth.