Fan Zhang

Assistant Professor
Dept of Computer Science
Yale University

I’m broadly interested in computer security and applied cryptography, especially techniques that enable Secure Decentralized Systems, a novel class of computer systems with unique security properties (such as transparency, verifiability, decentralized trust and governance).

My research aims to advance the technical foundation of decentralized systems, analyze the security of real-world deployments, and build practical tools to support applications in socially important domains.

I’m also affiliated with IC3, Center for Distributed Confidential Computing (CDCC) and Center for Algorithms, Data, and Market Design at Yale (CADMY).

At Yale, I teach Intro to Blockchain and Real-World Cryptography.

Updates

📌📣 DECO, the first zkTLS protocol we devised in 2019, is now in Chainlink’s Platform Privacy Suite.
08/25🎉 Received a collaborative NSF award to work on TEE powered Confidential Genome Imputation and Analytics.
08/25✈️ Recent talks: IC3 Blockchain Camp, NoConsensus@SBC25, and ETH NYC'25.
04/25📣 New paper Insecurity Through Obscurity: Veiled Vulnerabilities in Closed-Source Contracts is online. Also check out the nice highlight by EigenPhi.
03/25🎉 “Decentralization of Ethereum’s Builder Market” is accepted to IEEE S&P 2025. Congrats, Sen!
02/25📣 “AUCIL: An Inclusion List Design for Rational Parties” is online.
01/25🎉 Qelect is accepted to USENIX Security 2025.
01/25🎉 Prooφ is accepted to FC 2025.

Research: Secure Decentralized Systems

My research spans computer security and applied cryptography, with a focus on security, privacy, and incentive-compatibility problems in systems with decentralized trust and governance. Some recent projects are:

For a systematic overview of my research, please check out the research page, or my publications.

Interested in working with me?

  • I’m looking for one PhD student to start in 2026 Fall. Please read here for more information.
  • For Yale undergrads: we enjoy having undergrad researchers in our lab to help them gain research experience. Feel free to get in touch.
  • We have openings for Postdocs, visiting scholars, and summer interns for strong candidates.

Contact