Resume
Lingyi Zhou
Software Engineer
Professional Summary
Experienced software engineer specializing in Unity3D and C# with a strong background in developing real-time 3D graphics, cross-platform applications, and XR (AR/VR) experiences. Skilled in optimizing Unity integrations, live data streaming, and building robust systems for motion capture visualization. Passionate about advancing XR technologies and creating immersive experiences for cutting-edge platforms like Meta Quest, Apple Vision Pro, and HoloLens.
Education
MFA in Design and Technology
2021-2023Parsons School of Design, New York, NY
MA in Design and Development of Digital Games
2019-2021Columbia University, New York, NY
BS in Agricultural and Environmental Education
2015-2019University of California, Davis, Davis, CA
Professional Certificate in AR-VR Development and 3D Graphics
Nov 2021New York University
Professional Experience
Software Engineer @ REALLY AR
Aug 2023 - Aug 2024An AR marketing company for new movies, formerly known as Moviebill, Burbank, CA
- Backend development of a centralized user profile system that combines separate progression and achievement systems across multiple games on our AR game platform, resulting in 20,000+ user engagements in first two months. Conducted user research and made a quick prototype in Figma to demonstrate the workflow of the new system.
- Developed Unity editor extension tools to support colleagues of different roles in the team, such as tools that enable level designers to focus their attention on rapidly prototyping and deploying new content with standard configurations and assets, and tools that connect backend designers to the online user database to the game platform in Unity.
- Engineered AR experiences for major film franchises, such as The Marvels, using Lens Studio and Effect House.
- Engineered cross-platform virtual reality experiences for Meta Quest 3 and Apple Vision Pro.
Software Engineer @ Snap Inc.
May 2022 - Aug 2022The company of Snapchat, Spectacles and Camera Kit, Mountain, CA
- Developed a Procedural Mesh manipulation system for Lens Studio, integrating hand gesture tracking and enabling sophisticated AR interactions without extensive coding.
- Created comprehensive documentation, tutorials, and video demonstrations for procedural mesh functionality, published as official Lens Studio templates and reference materials.
- Engineered an optimized AR drawing asset with customizable brush-erase systems, supporting real-time content creation and manipulation in augmented reality experiences.
Graduate Research Assistant @ Columbia University
Sept 2019 - May 2021Mentor: Joey Lee at The Games Research Lab at Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY
- Participated in game research on the psychological impact of video games on young students in various STEM topics, especially the climate topics.
- Led game development workshops and mentorship programs, combining research-driven design approaches with technical instruction in industry tools, guiding students from initial concepts through final implementation.
Projects
Planner Webapp (React App)
March 2025- Developed a task management web application with React that enables users to organize and track daily activities
- Implemented React Router for consistent navigation across multiple pages while maintaining header and footer
- Created a local JSON database system for persistent data storage with real-time updates
- Designed responsive UI components following modern web development practices
Roblox Fashion Collaboration
Jan 2023 - May 2023An official online fashion show event as a collaboration between Parsons Fashion Design and Roblox official
- Resolved key pipeline issues to successfully convert 20+ apparel designs into in-game assets.
- Modeled, rigged, and optimized 20+ clothing assets to ensure compatibility with player character movements across various game scenarios.
- Showcased newly designed apparel in a physical exhibition, bridging digital and physical fashion experiences.
Founder @ Ugly Face Generator Apparel
Aug 2024 - Dec 2024A fashion brand featuring distinctive generative design, New York, NY
- Pioneered an innovative gamified design platform that transforms customers into co-creators, enabling personalized participation in generating unique apparel prints.
- Developed comprehensive e-commerce pipeline and non-AI generated program. The generation program is integrated on the online website, which enables collaboration between customers and the designer for the end print design.
- Coordinated end-to-end supply chain operations from manufacturing through final delivery.
Game Designer and Developer @ Just Another Day
Sept 2022 - May 2023An Indie Game Created with Unity3D for as my solo thesis project, New York, NY
- Created "Just Another Day," an indie game using Unity3D, featuring five core gameplay systems: physics-based puzzles, dynamic stitching, interactive color painting, real-time cooking, and first-person interaction. Engineered seamless level transitions and crafted a compelling narrative. Managed the entire development lifecycle independently.