I obtained my B.S. degree in electrical and mechanical engineering from Nanchang University, China in 1982. I earned an M.S. degree in materials science and engineering from Zhejiang University (ranked 3rd in engineering), China in 1984 and completed a Ph.D. degree in mechanical engineering from Iowa State University in 1991. My major research interests rest on database and systems, biometric security, biomedical devices, materials, quality systems, problem solving, failure analysis and renewable energy.

I am certified by Oracle Corp. as Oracle Certified Professional (OCP) for database administration. I am also a registered professional engineer (PE) in the State of Illinois, a certified quality engineer (CQE) by American Society for Quality and a certified senior technology manager (CSTM) by Association of Technology, Management and Applied Engineering. I am currently a full professor and coordinator of graduate programs in the School of Technology at Eastern Illinois University.

I have a wife (Susan), two daughters (Annie and Gina). In my family, I make all big decisions and my wife makes the small ones. For example, I am in charge of such issues as global warming, green energy, fighting terrorism, international relations, crimes in the streets, and increases in taxes. My wife decides the minor things such as which house to buy, what kind of car we drive, how much money to spend, and how to raise the children.

My younger daughter (Gina) is a high-school sophomore at Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy. I have to confess to the whole class that I always learn things from my daughters before I teach you. In other words, what you are learning in my class are as simple as the 10th grade writing class.

I look forward to meeting everyone in the class in virtual space.

Updated May 10, 2012