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Curriculum Vitae

Personal Information​

Name: Dankao CHEN
Mobile: +86 19883038871 (CN)
Email: dankaochen2002@gmail.com

Educational Background​

University College London (UCL)​

MSc Connected Environments (Distinction Expected)
09/2024 – 09/2025

  • Core modules: Mobile Systems & Interactions, Making, Designing & Building Connected Sensor Systems, Web Architecture, Deep Learning for Sensor Networks, Sensor Data Visualisation, Ethics, Sustainability and Business of the Internet of Things, etc.

University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC)​

BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Upper Second-Class Honors, 2:1)
09/2020 – 07/2024

  • Average mark: 66%
  • Core modules: Third Year Project (82%), Robotics, Dynamics and Control (66%), Mobile Technologies (66%), Electronic Processing and Communications (67%), Modelling: Methods & Tools (82%), Design and Implementation of Engineering Software (71%), Practical Engineering Design Solutions and Project Development (68%), etc.

Research & Internship Experiences​

Research Assistant, UCL, London, UK​

Edge Computing and LLMs-Powered Smart Home System
04/2025 – 08/2025

  • Pioneered semantic framework enabling natural conversation with smart home devices through edge-deployed LLMs.
  • Created dual-interface system: custom ESP32-based voice assistant "Reiki" for natural language interaction and web-based dashboard for real-time monitoring.
  • Implemented one-command deployment process significantly lowering technical barriers for smart home adoption.
  • Achieved exceptional performance metrics: 94% accuracy in standard command recognition, 91% in fault-tolerant testing, and 96.9% in distinguishing commands from non-commands, approaching 99% (fault-tolerant) by accessing cloud APIs.

Research Assistant, UNNC, Ningbo, China​

Joint Communications and Computing of RIS-Assisted NG-IoT Networks
10/2023 – 06/2024

  • Developed a model for NG-IoT applications using a RIS-assisted Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) system with partial offloading strategy.
  • Formulated and solved a system optimization problem to maximize computational efficiency by optimizing phase shift vectors, CPU frequency, transmit power, and time allocation.
  • Validated the superiority of partial offloading strategy over traditional approaches across various network conditions.
  • Implemented mathematical optimization algorithms including Lagrange dual method, KKT condition, and sub-gradient approach to derive closed-form optimal solutions.
  • Provided empirical insights for optimal RIS deployment location in 3D environments, showing deployment near access points (AP) yields best overall system performance.
  • This work received the top score among all Third Year Projects (23/24) in UNNC's Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department.

Research Assistant, UNNC, Ningbo, China​

Truck Positioning and Path Planning System for Container Terminals
03/2023 – 08/2023

  • Addressed challenges associated with non-line-of-sight conditions in truck positioning and path planning within container terminals to enhance precise truck positioning and navigation.
  • Developed a simulation environment using Python, utilizing historical operational data from Ningbo Container Terminal stored in MySQL to simulate various truck operation scenarios.
  • Improved the accuracy and reliability of truck positioning and navigation under non-line-of-sight conditions by implementing neural network algorithms involving data fusion, sensor technology, and machine learning methods.
  • Validated proposed algorithms in the simulation environment, demonstrating their superiority over existing methods.

Internship, Ningbo Guangsu Technology Co., Ltd., Ningbo, China​

08/2022 – 06/2023

  • Assisted the team in designing the PCB of a facial cleansing brush with the aid of PAD and KiCad.
  • Engaged in electronic component selection, including surface mount resistors, surface mount capacitors, cameras, and motors, as well as the assembly of components onto PCBs using surface mount technology (SMT).
  • Collaborated to implement data transmission from the facial cleansing brush to its mobile app, using the TCP protocol.

Research Assistant, UNNC, Ningbo, China​

Implementation of a Preliminary Digital Platform for a Smart Farm
05/2022 – 08/2022

  • Contributed to a project aimed at optimizing farm operations through advanced technologies and digital solutions.
  • Took responsibility for hardware selection, including temperature and humidity sensors, CO2 sensors, etc.
  • Developed a local control system using Arduino IDE and VSCode with PlatformIO extension, leveraging MCU to control farm equipment.
  • Explored wireless connectivity technologies like LoRa and Zigbee to assess their applicability.
  • Participated in circuit design and PCB fabrication for connecting various sensors and devices to the MCU.
  • Wrote programs to facilitate data collection, including light intensity, temperature, humidity, CO2 concentration, and water level, and transmitted data to the control system and IoT platform using TCP protocol.
  • Integrated ACS712 current sensor and DFRobot digital wattmeter to monitor the system’s energy consumption.
  • Employed GitHub for version management, storing design concepts, component datasheets, etc., streamlining project progression and enhancing project maintainability.

Research Assistant, University of California Los Angeles​

Wireless Communications System Design
07/2022 – 09/2022

  • Comprehended physical and network layer functionalities in wireless communication systems from both analytical and practical perspectives.
  • Studied digital communications and signal processing for wireless systems, including synchronization, channel estimation, and radio impairment correction.
  • Explored modern RF design based on OFDM and multiple antennas.
  • Worked in a group of 6 members to design a complete end-to-end wireless communication system by proposing novel approaches for hybrid beamforming design for massive MIMO systems with deep learning techniques.
  • Published a conference paper as the first author of the 2023 2nd International Conference on Intelligent Systems, Communications and Computer Networks (ISCCN 2023).

Research Assistant, UNNC, Ningbo, China​

CSET Building Renaissance
05/2022 – 08/2022

  • Contributed to the renovation of the CSET building.
  • Collaborated with students from diverse majors, engaging in tasks spanning layout design, 3D modeling, and the optimization of mechanical, electrical, and renewable energy systems.

Project Experiences​

Project Member, UCL, London, United Kingdom​

Aligned – Your Emotional Compass
01/2025 – 03/2025

  • An innovative IoT device designed to facilitate emotional communication between distant individuals through directional awareness and visual cues.
  • Designed and implemented a hardware system integrating ESP32 microcontroller, HMC5883L compass sensors, NeoPixel LED rings, and vibration motors to create multi-sensory feedback.
  • Developed companion mobile application (using Flutter) with BLE connectivity for device initialization, empowering the product with MQTT connecting ability.
  • Contributed to the full product development lifecycle including conceptualization, hardware assembly, software development, enclosure design, and prototype creation.

Project Member, UCL, London, United Kingdom​

UCL Accommodation Finder
10/2024 – 01/2025

  • A web application that helps UCL students find suitable accommodation near campus and provides walking route recommendations to improve commuting efficiency.
  • Developed the full stack framework based on Docker Compose with front-end, back-end, and Database (MySQL). The framework also supports the use of Nginx as a high-performance reverse proxy server and uses phpMyAdmin for database visualization.
  • Created a user-friendly interface allowing students to select campus buildings, define maximum commuting times, and receive tailored accommodation recommendations.

Project Member, UCL, London, United Kingdom​

Bear-Shaped Clothing Indicator
10/2024 – 01/2025

  • Collaborated in a team to design and develop a smart device that displays outdoor "feels-like" temperature to help users make appropriate clothing decisions.
  • Contributed to the creation of digital twins of the project: Physical device: A bear-shaped gauge with an LCD display showing real-time temperature data; Digital interface: An AR visualization with a dashboard showing temperature, humidity, wind speed, and body temperature values.
  • Utilized real-time data from UCL OPS Garden via MQTT to calculate apparent temperature using temperature, humidity, and wind speed factors.

Developer, UCL, London, United Kingdom​

Pure Breath – Real-Time Multi-Function Air Purification System
09/2024 – 01/2025

  • Designed and implemented an IoT-based air purification system using ESP8266, integrating MQ135, CCS811, PMS7003, and SHT30 sensors to monitor air quality (CO₂, TVOC, PM levels), temperature, and humidity in real time.
  • Developed a modular firmware with non-blocking architecture and double-buffered display to ensure efficient multi-threaded sensor data processing and real-time user interaction (50ms latency).

Venture Creation Experience​

Co-founder & CTO, Ningbo Rosy Nebula Information Technology Co., Ltd., Ningbo China​

06/2022 – Present

  • Founded a technology company with core values of "Innovation, Collaboration, and Win-win," covering film production, cultural tourism, digital assets, and AIGC sectors.
  • Led company's technical research and development direction, developing key technologies including virtual production, 3D modeling, and AI visual generation.
  • Fully responsible for company administration, business operations, human resources, and technical team building.
  • Promoted industry-academia-research collaboration with multiple universities to accelerate technological innovation and talent development.
  • Successfully led the company to establish its presence in the International Innovation and Entrepreneurship Industrial Park at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China in May 2023, enhancing the company's influence.
  • Official Website: https://rn-website-beta.vercel.app/

Qualification & Skills​

Languages:

  • Chinese (Native)
  • English (Proficient)
    • IELTS 6.5 with all sections above 6.0
    • Completed UCL Pre-sessional English Course with 75% overall score (equivalent to IELTS 7.5)

Technical Skills:

  • Programming Languages: Experienced in C, C++, Python, Verilog, Dart, HTML, JavaScript, MATLAB
  • Hardware Development: Experienced in MCU (Embedded) programming (PLC, ESP, Arduino, Raspberry Pi), sensor integration, and PCB design; Skilled in network protocols (MQTT, TCP/UDP) for data transmission and real-time monitoring systems
  • Software Development: Full-stack web development with Docker, Nginx, MySQL; mobile app development with Flutter; AR applications with Unity
  • Developing Tools: 3D modeling with Fusion 360, UI/UX design, version control with GitHub and SVN