Alex Zhan is a student at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley in the United States. He has a strong background in mathematics, computer science, and artificial intelligence, with achievements including reaching the Gold Division of the USA Computing Olympiad (USACO), earning Honours in the 2025 USA Junior Mathematical Olympiad (USAJMO), and placing eighth in the 2024 MATHCOUNTS National Competition. He also placed third internationally in the 2024 Canadian Open Mathematics Challenge (COMC) and achieved a perfect score in the 2023 Canadian Senior Mathematics Contest (CSMC). Alex has further pursued advanced study through Stanford University’s AI4ALL programme in machine learning and university-level courses in Real Analysis and Modern Algebra, earning an A in both courses.
At the CCIR Academy, Alex’s research paper, A Hybrid Approach for Perturbing CAPTCHA Images Against Automated Solvers, has been accepted at the MIT Undergraduate Research Technology Conference (MIT URTC). His research develops a method for making CAPTCHA images more resistant to machine learning-based automated solvers while preserving their readability for human users. By combining a modified U-Net model with post-processing techniques, the approach substantially reduces the accuracy of automated CAPTCHA solvers and performs better than using either method independently.
The MIT Undergraduate Research Technology Conference (MIT URTC) brings together student researchers to present research and developments across engineering and technology. Organised by MIT students in collaboration with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the conference features research paper and poster presentations alongside talks, panels, and networking opportunities with researchers and industry professionals.
Congratulations to Alex on this achievement!
Ready to turn your passion for AI and technology into research?
Take your interest in mathematics, computer science, and artificial intelligence beyond the classroom by developing an original research project with guidance from experienced professor mentors at CCIR Academy.
Download the CCIR Research Programme Prospectus to explore our 170+ research areas, discover opportunities in AI, machine learning, computer science, mathematics, and engineering, learn about our professor mentors from leading universities, and explore student research outcomes, programme options, and the application process.
