Ryan Jisup Kim

Ryan Kim is a graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria, Virginia. At Columbia, he plans to major in Computer Science and minor in Statistics.

Ryan was particularly involved in the niche intersection between quantum computing algorithms and machine learning. He independently developed a hybrid quantum-classical convolutional neural network for the identification of dementia through non-invasive imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). With this project, Ryan was selected as a 2023 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) Finalist in the physics category. In addition to ISEF, Ryan was also invited to give an oral presentation at the Greater Washington 2023 Junior STEM and Humanities Symposium (JSHS), where he won a top ten regional award. Ryan was named a 2024 Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) scholar for his research and presented his work at the 2023 IEEE Quantum Computing and Engineering (QCE) and 2023 IEEE MIT Undergraduate Research Technology Conference (URTC). Ryan was among five US students accepted to the 2023 Quantum School for Young Students at the University of Waterloo.

Additionally, Ryan explored his interest in renewable energy, where he investigated advanced synchrotron characterization techniques for fusion materials in the selective Garcia Summer Research Program. He presented his research at the 2023 Materials Research Society Fall conference. Ryan also explored his interests in STEM through several olympiads. Ryan is a 2x USA Physics Olympiad Qualifier and an American Invitational Mathematics Exam Qualifier.

The last research area Ryan was involved in was utilizing computer vision to help people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Ryan developed an app that detected and classified ASL gestures through the webcam, translating the gestures into text to eliminate the dependence on a keyboard. Ryan’s app was met with positive feedback from a local deaf center and won recognition in the Fairfax Shark Tank Challenge and the Congressional App Challenge.

Besides STEM, Ryan values the humanities and loves writing stories and personal memoirs. Ryan’s work has been awarded in the Scholastic Writing Competition, winning a silver key in 2023, two gold keys in 2024, and a national silver medal in 2024.

Ryan enjoys playing tennis, hanging out with friends, and volunteering in his free time. He was a starting player for his school’s varsity tennis team and a state qualifier, as well as the 2023 District Player of the Year and 2024 District MVP. Ryan hopes to continue to explore his interests in machine learning and quantum computing while looking for ways to benefit the community.