Jialu Zhang

Jialu Zhang is a Tenure-Track Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Waterloo. Her research focuses on AI-driven solutions for programming challenges, including LLM-powered software development, automated debugging, and program repair. She holds a PhD in Computer Science from Yale University (2023) and a BS in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Shanghai Jiao Tong University (2017, IEEE Honor Class).

Her work emphasizes practical applications like Gmerge (merge conflict resolution), PyDex (automated code repair), and Clef (AI-assisted competitive programming). She collaborates with Microsoft Research’s RiSE and PROSE teams, exploring industry partnerships in AI-assisted software engineering. Recent projects include productizing Gmerge for Microsoft Edge and developing educational tools like PyDex for AI-driven tutoring systems.

Zhang actively seeks students (Masters/PhD/interns) and industry collaborations to advance AI’s role in programming and software engineering. Her research bridges foundational AI capabilities with real-world software development challenges, emphasizing both technical innovation and educational impact.