Zhihan Zhang
Last updated Sep 10
Welcome to Zhihan Zhang’s Website! I’m an Applied Math and Neuroscience student who wants hands-on building, service, and continuous learning to remain part of my everyday life.
My origin story
The high manufacturing quotes nearly stopped my first engineering project. Then I devised a creative prototype made from hardware-store parts that validated my design under $40.
That experiment changed how I approach uncertainty: identify the assumption, run a small test, and use the result to decide what comes next.
At UNC, I’ve applied that approach to engineering projects and building an interdisciplinary student community.
(There was an issue with the video streaming, it has now been fixed)
What I Bring: Beyond Experience
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A $40 pneumatic prototype launched seven meters and demonstrated the feasibility of my jumping mechanism.
I can help teams test important assumptions before committing more resources.
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At Morehead Planetarium, I improve software and embedded components based on visitor feedbacks to create an interactive telescope exhibit for all people.
I can help turn technical components into an experience people can use.
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I lead the 15-member M.A.T.I.S. team developing an EMS training manikin that connects students with Orange County EMS and UNC EMS. Through IEEE, I launched programming reaching 600+ UNC students.
I help people with different skills contribute to a shared goal.
How I work
My mission is to build useful technical systems and help more people participate in creating them. I envision a career combining hands-on engineering, close contact with users, and interdisciplinary teamwork.
❋ Value 1: ResourcefulnessTest the critical assumption first. I build small prototypes before committing to expensive solutions.
❋ Value 2: UsefulnessLet users help define success. I refine my project goals through client feedbacks.
My strength is turning uncertainty into small experiments, like the $40 prototype that tested my jumping mechanism. I need to watch for sunk-cost thinking, especially when frustration or attachment to a design makes it difficult to change direction. To counter this, I identify what evidence would make me reconsider before investing more time. For important decisions, I clarify the goal, compare alternatives, seek input from people affected, and test the biggest uncertainty before committing.
❋ Value 3: Shared progressMake contribution easier. I teach, organize workshops, and help students debug their projects.
What motivates me
The dancing ghosts in Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion made me wonder how something impossible could look so real. Researching the mechanism showed me how engineering could create a sense of wonder. I wanted to give others that feeling.
I bring that motivation to projects like our IEEE promotional card: an NFC business card that lights up LEDs and opens the owner’s LinkedIn profile when tapped with a phone. People can personalize it with Sharpie drawings, too. I’m excited by engineering that combines practical usefulness with surprise and invites people to be creative themselves.
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I have a concrete problem, room to experiment, and people who can give feedback on what I build.
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I connect the big picture to technical details, helping people from different disciplines turn their contributions into a working system.
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I prefer direct, specific feedback early. Show me what isn’t working and why, so I can act on it.
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I often bring a rough prototype into a discussion. It helps me explain an idea, uncover assumptions, and invite others to improve it.
Career Plans
I could build or join a startup developing treadmills that let users move naturally in virtual environments. This combines my interests in embedded systems, mechanical prototyping, sensing, and interactive design. I would test it by building a small prototype and speaking with founders, potential user and investors.
Omnidirectional AR/VR treadmill startup
Ride engineering combines mechanics, electronics, software, safety, and storytelling to create amazement. My interest began with the Haunted Mansion and connects to my interactive exhibit work. I would test this path through informational interviews and ride-technology internships.
Ride engineer at Universal or Disney
As a PA or RN, I could combine my EMT experience, interest in neuroscience, and desire to serve people directly through patient care. I would test this possibility by shadowing PAs and learning about their daily work.
Physician Assistant or Registered Nurse in Emergency Medicine
Best Places for Me
Raleigh–Durham,
I could build on the relationships I already have through UNC, Morehead Planetarium, and local EMS organizations. Those connections give me collaborators, mentors, and opportunities to continue meaningful projects.
North Carolina
TexasAustin,
I’d explore Austin as a place to pursue technical entrepreneurship and build a new network. I’m curious whether starting in a different environment would help me grow.
Shenzhen,
ChinaShenzhen appeals to my interest in technology and hardware development while bringing me closer to home. It could connect my engineering ambitions with a stronger sense of personal belonging.
If Money Were Secure
I would spend 30 hours a week building my omnidirectional treadmill design and affordable learning tools, while helping people develop their own ideas. My time would go toward prototyping, testing with users, and teaching hands-on workshops. I’m drawn to the moment when something unfamiliar becomes understandable—or sparks someone’s curiosity. Financial security would give me more freedom to pursue projects for their educational value and creative possibilities.
Board of Mentors
Dr. Jeglinski introduced me to university resources and encouraged my interest in electrical engineering. He helps me identify opportunities, courses, and relationships that can turn my interests into a clearer direction.
Career Mentor — Dr. Stefan Jeglinski
Michele has helped me understand human-centered design and recognize when my technical assumptions may overlook the people using a solution. Her perspective challenges me to ask better questions before I begin building.
Challenger and Human-Centered Design Mentor — Michele Kloda
I am looking for an experienced embedded-systems or robotics engineer who can challenge my technical decisions, strengthen my engineering judgment, and help me grow beyond the skills I have developed independently.
Expert/Craft Mentor — Gap I am Working to Fill
EDUCATION
Relevant coursework:
ECON 125
APPL 110
APPL 240
APPL 285
APPL 430
MATH 381
MATH 521
Experiences
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President, IEEE Student Branch at UNC-CH
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Exhibit Designer & Engineer, Morehead Planetarium
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TA Course Developer, UNC Department of Physics
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EMT-Basic, ACERIP EMT Program
Current Project
Project MATIS: Modular assess and treat Instructor System
I lead a 15-member interdisciplinary team developing the Modular Assess & Treat Integrated System: an EMS training manikin designed to simulate vital signs and support data-driven evaluation of trainee performance.
I designed the system architecture and completed the first physical prototype by integrating embedded electronics, mechanical components, interchangeable body modules, and software-based patient simulations.
The project has secured $4,000 in funding. We have initiated user-testing collaborations with UNC Campus EMS and Orange County EMS to explore training realism, accessibility, and cost efficiency.
Listen Up
How I overcame a difficult decision