Thomas K. Chia
Fairfax, Virginia, 22033
Education
University of Virginia, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
- Master of Engineering: Systems Engineering
- Bachelor of Science: Computer Science | Cybersecurity Focal Path
- Bachelor of Arts: Chemistry | Pre-medicine track
- Rodman Scholar (Top 30 of all UVa Engineering Students)
Sept. 2022 – May 2026
Professional Experience
UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center
Software development intern & clinical research
- Delivered a 1st place winning data science abstract at the ORIEN Conference 2024, showcasing IMPACT, an LLM-driven clinical trial automation.
- Streamlined stem cell transplant workflows by integrating EPIC, REDCap, and the UVA Cancer Datamart improving workflows by 120%.
- Coordinated enrollment & follow-up for 50+ patients in non-treatment clinical trials.
- Clinical trial survival analysis by consenting and tracking progress metrics for 200+ melanoma patients.
July 2023 – Ongoing
Ping Pong Diplomacy | US State Dept.
Athlete & Diplomatic Representative of the USA
- 1 of 12 athletes as a part of the U.S. delegation in China for Ping Pong Diplomacy, fostering Sino-American cultural exchange as the first major diplomatic trip since 2019.
- Collaborated with Ambassador Stephen Mull to strengthen bilateral relations through sports diplomacy at Tsinghua University, Fudan University, and the Shanghai School of Sports.
Dec. 2023 – Jan. 2024
UVA School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Teaching Assistant
- STS 2600: Engineering Ethics – Integrated ethical frameworks into modern engineering challenges using GVV
- ENGR 1420: Synthesis Design 2 – Developed an IOT framework integrating microcontrollers and cloud platforms
Sept. 2023 – Ongoing
Fairfax County Government
Intern at Fairfax County Youth Leadership Program
- Civic engagement initiatives in the Finance Department, helping access to public resources to 131 individuals.
- Supported community outreach projects and developed leadership skills through government-led initiatives.
Jan. 2021 – Jan. 2022
Projects
Robotic Bronchoscopy Automation – Stealth Startup
Co-founder & Engineer
- Leading the engineering effort to develop an automatic robotic bronchoscopy detection for UC system hospitals, particularly the UCI and UCD Interventional Pulmonary Departments.
- Overseeing technical implementation, ensuring precision, efficiency, and compliance with medical standards in robotic-assisted bronchoscopy.
Feb. 2025 – Ongoing
UVa Rodman Society: Post-Operation Elbow Brace
Co-founder & Engineer
- Collaborating with UVa Orthopedics to engineer a low-profile post-operation elbow brace.
- Developed novel magnetic wrench mechanism for easy to attach braces, reducing migration by 32%.
- Patent pending (April 2024)
Dec. 2022 – Ongoing
Research
- IMPACT: ORIEN Conference Data Science Abstract Competition Winner – October 2024
- i-Sight: Winner of the Leidos Young Virginia STEM Research Award – April 2022
- Glycine max Root Systems through the Analysis of the Gene SUBI2 – 10.36648/plant-sciences.4.1.33
Skills and Certifications
- Technical Certifications: AZ-900: Azure, CC, AI-900: Azure AI, SC-900: Azure Security, CLO-002: CompTIA
- Skills: Python, Java, PyTorch, Tensorflow, Cisco Networking, Database Management, Project Management, Design
- Languages: English, Cantonese, Mandarin, Hokkien