Shichao M.

About Shichao M.

As a highly skilled applied scientist, I offer comprehensive expertise spanning data engineering, machine learning model development, bandits and reinforcement learning, causal inference, metrics study, and A/B testing. My unique combination of skills empowers me to solve challenges that many consider daunting or unsolvable.Trained as a political scientist and economist, I also bring a strong foundation in theoretical and statistical modeling of diverse human behaviors. With deep expertise in game theory, I excel at uncovering patterns and relationships that often elude the untrained eye.Professionally, I\'ve led projects related to ads and advertisers, internal linking in SEO, and data product development. My research and publications have uncovered counter-intuitive insights in recommendation systems, corporate governance, and competitive autocracy.

Experience

1. Applied Scientist

   Yelp

   Mar 2022 — Present · San Francisco, CA, US

   Over the past three years, I worked like a “SWAT team,” tackling the toughest, most open-ended, and high-impact projects across the company. I collaborate with diverse teams to help form their decisions and shape their product and technical roadmaps. I provide a full suite of data expertise: data engineering, ML model building, bandit and reinforcement learning, causal analysis, metrics study, and unconventional A/B testing.Currently, I am solving the Whole Page Optimization challenge as a reinforcement learning problem to balance long-term user engagement with ad display. My previous projects include a complete re-architecture of the ad creative selection system, a paradigm shift in how we use internal linking to boost SEO, and the definition and delivery of location intelligence data products.

Education

• Renmin University of China

  MA, Economics

  2011 — 2014

• Tsinghua University

  Bachelor of Engineering (BE), Civil and Hydraulic Engineering

  2007 — 2011

• University of Rochester

  Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Political Science and Government

  2013 — 2019

• Peking University

  BA, Economics (double major)

  2009 — 2011