Data Engineering · Applied AI · Statistics

David Zhihao Xu

University of Waterloo student focused on data engineering and applied AI — building Python workflows that turn raw data into structured outputs and useful tools.

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Data Workflows

Python, SQL, data cleaning, validation, and structured outputs

Applied AI

API integration, source-grounded drafts, and human review workflows

Statistics

Regression, experimental design, and interpreting model outputs

About

Building reliable data workflows and practical AI tools.

I study Statistics, Mathematics and Finance at the University of Waterloo, with a growing focus on data engineering and applied AI. I enjoy the work behind a useful data product: bringing together messy inputs, checking their quality, and building repeatable Python and SQL workflows that produce clear, usable outputs.

My projects connect that foundation to real tasks, from transaction analysis to JobApply, an ongoing AI-assisted application preparation tool. Through JobApply, I am exploring API integration, structured data, source checks, and human review. I am looking for opportunities in data engineering and AI application development where I can keep building reliable systems and solve practical business problems.

Selected Work

Data workflows, applied AI, and business analysis.

Ongoing Project · Python · OpenAI API · Data Validation

JobApply — Job Application Prep Agent

I am developing an AI-assisted tool for Canadian co-op and data internship preparation. A local Python application combines résumé evidence, employer postings, and API-generated drafts in a structured workflow with source checks and human review.

Extract and review résumé evidence with exact source quotes before exploring career directions.
Use the OpenAI API to analyze postings and prepare editable drafts, with checks against supplied sources.
Store review outputs and application history locally; detect duplicate postings in batch preparation.

In active development: I am refining the workflows and evaluating the tool through my own application preparation. Users submit applications themselves.

View Repository & Development Progress

Python · Pandas · CSV/JSON Workflows · Regression

Pricing Analytics MVP

Built an end-to-end CSV analysis workflow that processes transaction data, generates business summaries, estimates pricing opportunities, simulates A/B tests, and renders a decision-ready dashboard.

Processed 100K+ transaction records through a reusable analytics pipeline.
Used log-log regression to estimate price elasticity by category and price tier.
Generated JSON outputs for KPI cards, revenue trends, uplift charts, and recommendations.

View Repository

Equity Research · Valuation · DCF

Sportswear Equity Research Pitch

Researched a high-growth sportswear and accessories company using financial statements, valuation multiples, industry benchmarking, and a five-year DCF model.

Analyzed five years of revenue growth, margins, and strategic positioning.
Benchmarked against five major competitors to support an investment thesis.

Skills

Tools for data engineering and applied AI.

Programming

Python, R, JavaScript, C, HTML, CSS

Data Workflows

SQL, MySQL, PostgreSQL, Pandas, NumPy, Data Cleaning, Data Validation, CSV/JSON Processing

Analysis & Development

Regression, Experimental Design, A/B Testing, Excel, Power BI, Git, GitHub, Python/JavaScript Testing

Applied AI

OpenAI API Integration, Structured Model Outputs, Prompt Iteration, Source-Quote Checks, Human Review

Education

A statistical foundation for data and AI work.

University of Waterloo

Bachelor of Statistics, Mathematics and Finance

Relevant coursework: Linear Regression, Experimental Design, Algorithms and Data Structures, Statistical Data Analysis, Numerical Methods.

Charlottetown Rural High School

Student Council Vice President

Democratically elected to represent a student body of 500+.
Organized the first post-pandemic Winter Formal and a successful Grad Breakfast as Vice President.

Outside the Classroom

Personal habits that keep me curious and balanced.

Basketball

Travel

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