Hello.

I am Chengyuan Deng, a fifth-year PhD student at Rutgers Theory Group, where I am fortunate to be advised by Jie Gao.

My research revolves around graph algorithm, geometry and machine learning.

I am broadly interested in classical open problems in TCS and new problems emerging from modern data analysis. My experience with the first is on graph algorithms. While the second points to the theoretical foundations of practical learning problems and algorithm design with rigorous guarantees. Some keywords are: algorithmic graph theory, sublinear algorithms, computational geometry, learning theory, differentival privacy, etc.

Beyond above, I am working on LLMs and Mathematical aspects of music such as combinatorics and geometry.

I am training myself as a musician on classical music slowly.

I am on the job market looking for a postdoc or a full-time position. Drop me a line if you see a match, thank you!

Research Statement ↗ Google Scholar ↗
Contact:

Publications

As is the convention in Theoretical Computer Science, authorships are in alphabetical order. Empirical ML papers are exceptions in this list.

Recognitions

Invited Talks

  • The Discrepancy of Shortest Paths, Rutgers DIMACS Theory Seminar, 2024
  • Explainable Clustering, Harvard Theory Reading Group of Physics ML, 2023

Professional Service

  • Reviewer, SOSA 2026; SoCG 2026; Random 2025; NeurIPS 2023-25; ICLR 2023-25;
  • Guest Lecturer and Advising, Machine Learning course at Quisqueya University, Haiti

Honors and Awards

  • Rizvi Research Excellence Award, 2025
  • Rutgers SGS Travel Award, 2025
  • Travel Award, WADS 2023
  • Travel Award, Neurips 2022
  • Master Graduation with honor, Outstanding Publication Award

Music

I am gradually constructing this site to include performance recordings, compositions, analysis and notes.

Chamber music recording

I recently find much pleasure in chamber music. I do not find it a contradiction to a soloist's strong personality, but rather a different way of expressing it—one that thrives on dialogue, sensitivity, and the subtle interplay between voices.

Beethoven: Piano Trio in B-flat Major, Op. 97 "Archduke" - Mov I. Allegro moderato

Violin: Seeun Baek, Cello: Jiaxun Yao, Piano: Chengyuan Deng

Date: April, 2024 | Juilliard School, New York

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This is one of the rare occasions in Beethoven’s oeuvre where his music achieves a fully realized sense of peacefulness and pastoral gentleness. The rchduke Piano Trio, composed in 1811–12, is not only a masterpiece of his mature chamber style but also a testament to his relationship with Archduke Rudolf of Austria, his student, friend, and generous patron. The first movement opens with a broad, noble piano theme that seamlessly engages in a refined dialogue with violin and cello, blending virtuosic brilliance with intimate expressiveness.

Dvorak: Piano Quintet in A Major, Op. 81 - Mov I, II, & III

Violin: Julie Minn, Yubin Kim, Viola: Adam Savage, Cello: Edison Liu, Piano: Chengyuan Deng

Date: Dec, 2024 | Juilliard School, New York

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This piece in my opinion, among a few others, is chamber music perfection. It brims with folk-inspired character, drawing on the rhythms, modes, and melodic contours of Bohemian dance and song. hese elements are woven seamlessly into the fabric of the work, giving the piano and strings a natural, conversational energy that feels both spontaneous and deeply expressive. One thing I would do by the ending of the 4th movement is to imagine: does this feel like sunset with reflections, or another dance party is about?