Jizheng (Marshall) is a New York-based creator with broad interests in design, technology, business. He studied Computer Science, Mathematics, and Financial Engineering at Cornell, and currently works in systematic trading and data analytics. In that environment, Marshall has learnt to create trading strategies, computing systems, and user interfaces that need to be innovative, fast, and robust. Finance has taught Marshall how to design sophisticated systems, work with uncertainty, and create tools people rely on to make high stake decisions. At the same time, he has become increasingly interested in questions that sit closer to identity, creativity, and everyday experience. That has led Marshall to return to designing and drawing, and apply technology not only as an optimization tool, but as a medium for expression.

One idea that came out of that transition is Sparkhood, a personal creative project that is designed to help people move from vague intentions into clear action. It reflects something Marshall is exploring: software is more than a productivity tool, and it can host a space where people can understand themselves, polish their intuitions, and channel internal energies into visible form. He is trying to help people turn observation into understanding and expression through his recent creative explorations. With 67 Story Studio, he is experimenting how interactive stories can help children learn about cultures around the world and approach unfamiliar backgrounds with curiosity. With his city plein air and sketch walk planning ideas, he is interested in how digital experiences can help overlooked places reach more audiences and shine. Across these projects, Marshall applies technology to make creativity feel more accessible, personal, and connected to real communities.

Outside of his technical projects, Marshall paints, practices Japanese kendo, hikes in nature. He particularly enjoys walking through New York with friends to sketch cafes, storefronts, parks, and other quiet corners. Those practices embody Marshall's arts as something built through observation and lived experience.

Sparkhood App Generative companion UI by Jizheng Guan Sparkhood is an AI-driven motivation app that helps users take the first step toward meaningful goals. Inspired by visual storytelling and behavioral psychology, it transforms ambition into an interactive experience—featuring a guiding “future self” and adaptive UI that responds in real time. By breaking complex challenges into simple actions, Sparkhood builds momentum, supports identity formation through action, and enables users to explore and understand themselves.

Jizheng Guan

535 W 43rd St

New York

Jizheng Guan is IDC member since 2026, with 2029 IDC rating.