Qishen Sam Liang
samliangsk@gmail.com | https://www.linkedin.com/in/qishen-sam-liang/

EDUCATION
University of California, Santa Barbara | September 2019-June 2023
Bachelor of Arts, Asian American Studies
Honors: Distinction in Asian American Studies & College of Letters & Science Highest Honors

University of Southern California | August 2023-May 2025
Master of Science, Computer Science (Computer Networks)

University of California, Santa Barbara | September 2019-June 2023
Bachelor of Science, Computer Science

RELEVANT RESEARCH & PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Researcher | UCSB Department of Asian American Studies | August 2022-June 2023
Research Project: The Transformation of Asian and Asian American Stereotypes and Representations in the United States

Conducted media content analysis to investigate how dominant narratives about Asians and Asian Americans have been constructed to serve shifting national interests and maintain racial hierarchies.
Analyzed a diverse range of sources, including magazine articles like “How to Tell Japs from the Chinese,” political cartoon “The Honorable Fifth Column,” and COVID-19 anti-Asian news reports.
Argued that while modes of expression evolve, the underlying hegemonic frameworks of stereotype persist, demonstrating the shift from overt to subtle forms of representation in the modern era.
This research, which drew upon frameworks of racial formation and stereotype theory, culminated in a 30 pages paper and a departmental presentation.

Project Manager & Game Developer | University of Southern California | January 2025-May 2025
Project: Area 31: A Horror Maze Game

Led the design and development of a 2D narrative game in C# and Unity, gaining practical experience in the creation of interactive media and player-driven storytelling.
Engineered systems for managing player state and progression, directly informing research into how player agency and interactive systems shape understandings.
Managed the project lifecycle using Agile methodologies, demonstrating leadership in a collaborative, creative-technical environment.

SKILLS & INTERESTS
Research Areas: Asian American Studies, Games, Stereotypes, Computer Networking, Security
Technical Skills: Python, Unity, C#, Git, Data Curation, Data Analysis
Languages: English (Fluent), Mandarin (Fluent), Cantonese (Fluent)