Tao Hou

Tao Hou is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Oregon, where he conducts research at the intersection of computational topology and machine learning. His academic journey includes a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Purdue University, a M.E. in Software Engineering from Tsinghua University, and a B.E. in Software Engineering from Beijing Institute of Technology. His research focuses on improving computational methods for topological data analysis, particularly through efficient algorithms for zigzag persistence and its applications across domains like neuroscience and materials science.

• Interdisciplinary applications in neuroscience (MICCAI 2024) and computational materials science (Comp. Mat. Sci. 2022)
• Developed open-source Python software packages for persistent cycle computation
• Contributed to advancements in zigzag persistence computational complexity

Current research explores topological machine learning through projects like FastZigzag and LvlsetPersCyc. He teaches graduate courses on topological data analysis and algorithms theory, and actively seeks PhD students interested in combining mathematics with computer science.