Zhijing Jin will join the Department of Computer Science as assistant professor in July 2025.
Get to know Zhijing Jin who will join the Department of Computer Science as assistant professor in July 2025.
Jin received her PhD in Computer Science from the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems and ETH Zürich in 2024.
What attracted you to your specific area of research in computer science?
I’ve always been captivated by languages! Back in undergrad, when it was time to pick my AI focus, I jumped at Natural Language Processing (NLP) without a second thought. I’m a polyglot, fluent in Mandarin, English, German, Cantonese, Shanghainese, and some Japanese – also happy to pick up French in Canada! Apart from my pure interest in language, seeing the unprecedented changes Large Language Models are bringing to society, I’m also passionate about AI safety, aiming to develop and refine LLMs responsibly.
Tell us about some of the key questions you’re looking to answer through your research in causal methods for natural language processing and AI safety, and the possible practical applications of your work.
My research focuses on how AI systems can achieve causal reasoning, thus making judgments based on sound logic and less bias. Causal reasoning itself is a fascinating area, and it serves as a foundation for creating more ethical AI. With causal methods, we can understand how LLMs make their decisions causally, and develop responsible AI which knows the consequences to their actions.
What’s one thing you hope students who study or work with you will come away with?
I hope they fall in love with the beauty of languages and how they convey knowledge, ideas, and emotions. I adore the book Algorithms to Live By, and similarly, I wish for my students to draw daily life inspirations from our Causal NLP research.
What drew you to the Department of Computer Science at the University of Toronto?
It’s the incredibly talented faculty paired with genuine friendliness. The department feels like one big, welcoming family, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.
What are you looking forward to doing or experiencing in Toronto?
I’m excited to dive into Toronto’s amazing food scene and explore its diverse neighbourhoods. The city’s cultural richness makes life here so vibrant!
What do you enjoy doing outside of your work as a computer scientist?
I love travelling — it’s like hitting the refresh button on my world view. I also get a kick out of random library adventures, stumbling upon fascinating reads. Now that I’m in Canada, I’m eager to dive into local activities — bring on the snow fun!