THE GOOGLE YEARS
Building Security at Scale
Today, Zhao works at the forefront of cloud security at Google, contributing to systems that protect some of the world's most critical infrastructure. Her role in the Cloud Security division places her at the intersection of cutting-edge security research and practical, scalable solutions.
But her relationship with Google began years earlier. In Summer 2020, while still a student, she earned a spot in Google's highly competitive
STEP (Student Training in Engineering Program)
—a program designed to identify and nurture early-career talent from diverse backgrounds.
Working under the Google Cloud Core Infrastructure team, Zhao developed sophisticated data visualization tools for configuration pushes—systems that help engineers monitor and manage deployments across Google's massive cloud infrastructure. The work required not just technical prowess, but the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights.
Her performance impressed leadership enough to earn a return offer. The following summer, she joined the Google Cloud Identity team as a full Software Engineer Intern, where she implemented public APIs for Google Cloud's Identity and Access Management (IAM) service—critical components that millions of developers rely on to secure their applications.
THE NYU CHAPTER
Triple Focus, Singular Vision
Zhao's academic journey at New York University showcased her interdisciplinary approach to problem-solving. Graduating in December 2021 with a B.S. in Computer Science, she didn't stop there—she pursued double minors in Mathematics and Finance, recognizing that the most innovative solutions often emerge at the intersection of multiple fields.
Her most ambitious project during her NYU years was the complete rebuilding of the
course website
for the Introduction to Engineering course. What started as a simple update evolved into a ground-up reconstruction of the entire platform.
The challenge was substantial: the course served over 1,000 students daily, and the system needed to be reliable, scalable, and intuitive. Zhao architected a solution that not only met these requirements but became a model for other course platforms at the university.
"It taught me that engineering isn't just about writing code—it's about understanding your users, anticipating their needs, and building systems that just work," she notes.
BEYOND THE CODE
A Craftsman's Philosophy
Zhao describes herself as a "craftsman, programmer, and dreamer"—three identities that inform her approach to software engineering. The craftsman values precision and quality. The programmer solves complex technical challenges. The dreamer envisions what's possible beyond current constraints.
This philosophy extends to her work in cloud security, where she balances the competing demands of robust protection, user experience, and system performance.
Her diverse background—from her cross-cultural journey to her interdisciplinary education—gives her a unique perspective in an industry that increasingly values varied viewpoints. As cloud computing and AI reshape how we build and secure systems, engineers like Zhao, who can bridge technical depth with broad contextual understanding, are becoming invaluable.
What's Next
With several years at Google under her belt and a track record of delivering high-impact projects, Zhao continues to push boundaries in cloud security and infrastructure. Her journey from a sixteen-year-old newcomer to a respected engineer at one of the world's most influential tech companies exemplifies what's possible with determination, continuous learning, and the courage to take that first bold step.
Those interested in learning more about Zhao's technical work can explore her portfolio of
projects
, or connect via the
contact page
.
