Deep Learning in AI

Hi, I’m Junwei Liao and I’ve recently earned my B.E. in artificial intelligence from Xi’an Jiaotong University (Xi'an, China). During my junior year, I was part of the Fall 2023 Berkeley Global Access Program (BGA), which was an incredibly enriching experience. I learned a great deal not only academically, but also through everyday life experiences.

BGA was an official visiting-student program recommended by my university. While browsing through the list of opportunities, I came across BGA—and knowing that Berkeley is one of the world’s top universities, especially renowned in AI, I didn’t hesitate for a moment to apply.

My experience in BGA turned out to be far more than just academic enrichment. It became a journey of personal growth, where I met incredibly kind and open-minded people, and witnessed the vibrant intersection of diverse cultures. I truly loved every part of it.

My Course Schedule

I took Designing, Visualizing and Understanding Deep Neural Networks; Deep Reinforcement Learning, Decision Making and Control; Theoretical Statistics; and the BGA-exclusive Career Development and Coaching Seminar.

The Deep Neural Networks course laid a strong foundation for my AI career and deepened my understanding of deep learning. Deep Reinforcement Learning may be the most pivotal course in my academic journey, as my current research is closely related to reinforcement learning, and this course plays a central role in that area.

Theoretical Statistics serves as a fundamental basis for all machine learning knowledge—it offered me a glimpse into the deeper theoretical aspects of both machine learning and reinforcement learning.

Through career coaching, I polished my résumé, built a personal website and connected with many people on LinkedIn. I also received some invitations for interviews from tech companies.

Berkeley classes give a lot of attention and importance on practice, which is indispensable. And, of course, the quality is world-class. Additionally, every professor is so kind, helpful, patient and willing to discuss course material with students. I really like the academic vibes!
 

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My Favorite Places to Explore

I went on a road trip along the Grand Circle with my friends, exploring places like Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches National Park, the Grand Canyon, Redwood Forest, Las Vegas and more. The trip was absolutely amazing—we truly enjoyed the breathtaking and stunning scenery. We especially loved hiking in the mountains and canyons; it was a wonderful way to refresh both our bodies and souls.

I also had the chance to explore San Francisco and Los Angeles, visiting iconic spots such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Palace of Fine Arts and Twin Peaks in S.F. and then Santa Monica, Hollywood and the Griffith Observatory in L.A.

My top 5 were:

1. Exploring Berkeley and San Francisco
2. Attending diverse forums and talks hosted by tech companies and research labs
3. Lying on Memorial Glade and just relaxing
4. Taking the ferry from San Francisco to Oakland, enjoying the city skyline of San Francisco
5. Boating around Berkeley Marina

I really miss the days I spent in California—it was without a doubt one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life.

My Future Plans

In five to 10 years, I’ll be living in Shanghai or California, or probably some small Southeast Asia cities like Chiangmai as a digital nomad—lollll.

My advice to you is to reach out to people actively. People in Berkeley are kind and enthusiastic with their knowledge. Go and exchange ideas. Go BEARS!