Zhean Ganituen

I am heavily interested in algorithms and data structures. Recently, I have been interested in cryptography, numerical algorithms, and geometry.

In general, I enjoy discussing and doing research in Theoretical Computer Science or any interdisciplinary field that combines Theoretical Computer Science with real-life applications.

B.S. Computer Science

De La Salle University

STEM High School

De La Salle University Integrated School

Advisers: Neil Stephen Lopez and Jose Bienvenido Biona

Thesis: "Traditional and Modernized Jeepneys: An Assessment on Comfort, Ease of Use, and Safety"

Data Science Workshop: Professor Widom’s Instructional Odyssey.

De La Salle University, Instructor: Prof. Jennifer Widom

Viruses & How to Beat Them: Cells, Immunity, Vaccines. Certificate

IsraelX, Instructor: Prof. Jonathan M. Gershoni

De La Salle University Integrated School, Distinction in Research

Projects annotated with [C] are software projects, [T] are tutoring projects, and [P] are research projects.

Bayesian Election Auditing | [P, C] github.com/zrygan/Bayesian-Election-Auditing

Implementing a Go-based election auditing system using the Pólya urn model and Bayesian audit techniques based on Rivest & Shen (2012).

Developing a companion essay in Jupyter Book explaining election integrity, counting challenges, and statistical uncertainty. Focused on transparent, probabilistic approaches to verifying election outcomes.

Raytracer-Rust | [C] github.com/zrygan/Raytracer

Rewrote and optimized a two-dimensional ray tracer in Rust to improve low-level performance, with emphasis on memory management and lifetime handling.

Achieved 12 times performance improvement over Raytracer-Python.

The project simulates emitters and absorbers using geometric and numerical algorithms, including parametric equations, linear spaces, and trigonometry.

Filipino Language Case Study | [P] github.com/zrygan/Filipino-Case- and [C] github.com/zrygan/LanguageTool-Case-Study

Co-authored a case study on common Filipino and Bikol language grammar and style mistakes, proposing automated solutions using finite-state automata.

The project also analyzed Filipino grammar rules that are difficult or impossible to model using regular languages, highlighting limitations in formal language theory.

Joint project with Stephen Borja and Justin Ching.

Nachos, Chips, & Dips: Crunching Cryptos, Algos, and Symbols | [T]

Planned and hosted a lecture series highlighting real-world applications of Theoretical Computer Science concepts from the Software Technology program. The event featured:

• Jonathan Mantura (DLSU instructor) on cryptography in data security
• Ross Tan (PTS tutor) on regular expressions for email validation and password strength
• Myself on tries and string searching algorithms

Led event logistics, coordinated with speakers, and delivered a technical lecture to fellow students.

Raytracer | [C] github.com/zrygan/Raytracer

Developed a Python-based project exploring core concepts in two-dimensional ray tracing algorithms, featuring support for simple emitters and absorbers.

Implemented geometric and numerical algorithms—including parametric equations, linear spaces, and trigonometric calculations—to simulate light-object interactions and spatial behavior accurately.

Food Map | [P, C] github.com/zrygan/Food-Map

Led the design and development of a Python-based project exploring concepts in informed (A, UCS) and uninformed (DFS) graph search algorithms, integrating both a priori and a posteriori analysis.

Collaborated with Mikaela Amon, Thara Corpuz, Aaron Go, and Emmanuel Punsalan, serving as the lead programmer and primary researcher.

Presented findings on trade-offs between preprocessing and query-time performance

Traditional and Modernized Jeepneys: An Assessment on Comfort, Ease of Use, and Safety | [P] AnimoRepository

Authored and presented a conference paper at the 5th DLSU SHS Research Congress, in collaboration with Micah Cabatingan, Margarita Ko, and Diego Manalo, under the guidance of Dr. Neil Lopez and Dr. Jose Biona from the Gokongwei College of Engineering at DLSU.

Designed and executed a mixed-methods study involving 30 participants to assess perceived comfort and safety through heart rate data and fluctuations.

Applied thematic coding, developed data visualizations, and calculated measures of central tendency for analysis.

Showcased the project at the Philippine Science Research Symposium

Algorithms, Data Structures, Automata, Geometry, Formal Languages

C, C++, Go, Python, Java, Kotlin, Rust

CSS, HTML, LaTeX, PGF, TikZ, Gradle

Jupyter Notebook, Matplotlib, NumPy, Pandas

Problem Solving, Research, Technical Writing, Tutoring, Science Communication

Tutor and Associate Vice President for Activities
Peer Tutors Society

As a tutor with a current rating of 9.5/10, having mentored 18 tutees across various core Computer Science subjects.

• Applied problem-based learning by designing puzzles and problems to aid in understanding complex concepts.
• Implemented a flipped classroom approach to engage students in active learning and reinforce foundational knowledge.
• Led three events on cutting-edge research in computer science, including workshops, talks, and hackathons.
• Coordinated activities on theoretical computer science with over 30 students per event.

Courses tutored:

• Logic Formulation and Introductory Programming (CCPROG1)
• Programming with Data Structures (CCPROG2)
• Object-Oriented Programming (CCPROG3)
• Discrete Structures (CCDSTRU)
• Data Structures and Algorithms (CCDSALG)
• Algorithms and Complexity (CSALGCM)
• Advanced Algorithms and Complexities (STALGCM)
• Introduction to Intelligent Systems (CSINTSY)

I also design and manage projects that align with my goals as a tutor—making theoretical topics more approachable and engaging for students.

• Collaborate with a team of 10 people, two academic departments, and colleagues from other teams to coordinate and execute impactful activities.
• Develop initiatives that make complex concepts more accessible and promote active learning across various disciplines.

Associate Vice President for Activities
DLSU Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) Student Chapter

• Lead collaboration efforts with a team of 10 people including instructors, and colleagues to coordinate and deliver impactful activities that spotlight cutting-edge research and emerging trends in computer science.
• Spearhead initiatives that simplify complex concepts and foster active learning, making abstract ideas more accessible across diverse disciplines.

Nachos, Chips, & Dips: Crunching Cryptos, Algos, and Symbols Presented an introductory lecture to tries and its applications in Filipino spelling suggestions.

Philippine Science Research Symposium
Presented research on traditional and modernized jeepneys.

De La Salle University Integrated School Research Congress
Presented research on traditional and modernized jeepneys.