About IvyHonk

IvyHonk helps motivated high school students build authentic STEM depth, develop stronger academic direction, and prepare more thoughtful college applications.

Founder Background

IvyHonk was founded by Dr. Shane Chang, a scientist, engineer, educator, and data science leader with experience across academia, law, autonomous technology, and pharmaceutical research.

Dr. Chang earned his PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University. He previously worked as a research scientist and instructor at Harvard Medical School, taught Biocomputing at MIT, served as a scientific advisor at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, led IP efforts and autonomous mobility analytics at nuTonomy/Aptiv, and later served as a Data Science Director at Novartis.

His career combines rigorous scientific training, engineering problem-solving, AI and data science experience, and practical mentorship for students who want to build meaningful academic direction.

Mentorship Philosophy

IvyHonk was created to help students move beyond superficial activities and develop genuine intellectual depth.

Many students are interested in STEM, AI, medicine, biology, engineering, robotics, or data science, but they do not always know how to turn curiosity into a focused direction. IvyHonk helps students clarify their interests, structure their learning, and develop projects that reflect real effort and growth.

Our approach emphasizes learning, integrity, and student ownership. We guide students through research thinking, technical development, academic planning, and communication, but students remain responsible for their own work, decisions, and final submissions.

What Makes IvyHonk Different

Scientific and technical depth across AI, data science, biology, medicine, engineering, and computational research

Experience across Harvard Medical School, MIT teaching, Carnegie Mellon engineering training, autonomous technology, pharmaceutical data science, and scientific advising

Personalized mentorship rather than generic college application packaging

Focus on authentic student growth, ethical research practice, and long-term academic positioning

Guidance that connects research direction, extracurricular depth, high school planning, and college application strategy

How We Work With Students

IvyHonk works with students and families through personalized advising sessions. Depending on the student’s needs, the work may include research topic exploration, literature review, technical skill development, data analysis planning, project milestones, presentation preparation, school list strategy, essay brainstorming, or broader high school planning.

The goal is not to manufacture an artificial profile. The goal is to help each student build a clearer direction and communicate that direction honestly and effectively.