Email: smao13@jhu.edu
Hi, I'm Songtao Mao. I'm currently a Ph.D. student in the Department of Computer Science at Johns Hopkins University, advised by Prof. Xin Li. Prior to this, I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Zhiyuan College at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. My primary research focus is on theoretical computer science. Previously, I worked on pseudorandomness and coding theory. More recently, my research interests have shifted toward average-case complexity, cryptographic hardness, and the theory of AI safety. In Summer 2025, I visited the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, hosted by Fernando Granha Jeronimo. In Summer 2026, I visited Bocconi University, hosted by Alon Rosen. In Fall 2026, I am in the Pseudorandomness & High-Dimensional Expansion program at the Simons Institute for the Theory of Computing.
I am currently looking for postdoctoral or other research positions starting in 2027. Please feel free to contact me about relevant opportunities.