cv

Basics

Name Zoher Kachwala
Label PhD Candidate in Computer Science
Url https://zoher15.github.io/
Summary PhD candidate specializing in Natural Language Processing (LLMs), AI Alignment, and Reliable Machine Learning. My research centers on novel steering techniques to improve safety, controllability, and interpretability in LLMs/VLMs: Zero-shot detection of AI-generated images through task-aligned prompting of VLMs, supporting authenticity verification and content trust. Community-aware content moderation, using LLMs to interpret user history and apply nuanced, rule-grounded moderation at scale. Controlled reasoning in LLMs, analyzing decoding dynamics to guide generation toward faithful, safe, and interpretable outputs.

Education

Publications

Projects

  • 2019.01 - 2023.05
    Text2Graph
    Engineered a semantic role labeling pipeline to extract pseudo-AMRs from unstructured text, enabling knowledge graph construction at scale.
    • Semantic role labeling
    • Knowledge graph construction
    • Scalable text processing
  • 2021.10 - 2022.05
    DARPA INCAS Team
    Developed NLP and graph-based tools to detect online influence campaigns, contributing to government-backed robustness and security efforts.
    • NLP tools
    • Graph-based analysis
    • Security applications
  • 2021.05 - 2021.08
    Review of Attention Models
    Conducted an in-depth analysis of transformer architectures (BERT, GPT) and their implications for modern NLP, fulfilling PhD candidacy requirements.
    • Transformer analysis
    • BERT and GPT research
    • PhD candidacy requirement

Work

  • 2022.08 - 2024.12
    Teaching Assistant
    Introduction to Network Science
    Designed and led Python-based tutorials on graph theory and network modeling
    • Python tutorials
    • Graph theory instruction
    • Network modeling
  • 2020.08 - 2020.12
    Teaching Assistant
    Applied Machine Learning
    Assisted in instruction and hands-on ML labs using scikit-learn and PyTorch
    • Machine learning instruction
    • scikit-learn
    • PyTorch
  • 2019.08 - 2021.12
    Teaching Assistant
    Elements of Artificial Intelligence
    Built Python autograders using pytest; graded assignments for 300+ students
    • Python autograders
    • pytest framework
    • Large-scale grading
  • 2018.05 - 2018.08
    Technology Consultant Intern
    PricewaterhouseCoopers
    Collaborated on IT consulting projects involving systems integration and tech audits
    • IT consulting
    • Systems integration
    • Technology audits

Awards

  • 2024.03.01
    Research Computing Award
    NSF Jetstream2
    High-performance computing resources worth $160,550
  • 2021.12.05
    Complex Networks and Systems National Science Foundation Research Summer Fellowship
    NSF-NRT Interdisciplinary Training in Complex Networks and Systems (CNS-NRT)
    Trainees learn to connect the general-purpose, computational expertise of CNS to the deep, domain-specific research methodologies of the natural, behavioral, and social sciences thus bridging the gap between distinct training cultures
  • 2020.01.01
    Knight Fellowship
    Knight Foundation
    Cross-disciplinary research centers and projects that fill knowledge gaps on how society is informed in the digital age
  • 2018.10.01
    Newmark Fellowship
    Craig Newmark

Volunteer

  • 2024.03 - 2024.03
    Peer Reviewer
    PeerJ Computer Science
  • 2020.01 - 2024.05
    Ambassador
    Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering
    Led campus visits for prospective PhD students in Computer Science
  • 2020.01 - 2022.12
    Department Representative
    Indiana University Graduate & Professional Student Government
    Department representative in the Graduate Student Government at Indiana University
  • 2016.03 - 2017.03
    Delegate
    Harvard WorldMUN
    Represented India and NMIMS at international MUN conference

Skills

Core Expertise
LLMs & NLP (Prompt Engineering, Alignment, Text Generation)
Reliable ML (Robustness, Explainability)
Multimodal AI (VLMs)
Generative AI
Deep Learning
Computer Vision
Programming
Python (Expert)
Bash
C++
R
Frameworks & Tools
PyTorch
TensorFlow
Hugging Face
NumPy
Scikit-learn
Pandas
NetworkX
spaCy
Neo4j
Distributed Systems
Spark (basic)
PySpark
Multi-GPU (PyTorch DDP)

Languages

English
Native speaker
Gujarati
Native speaker
Hindi
Fluent