Yan Zheng

Major: Electrical Engineering
Class of 2005
Next Step: Ph.D. candidate, UC Santa Barbara

Why did you choose UCSD?
My parents both got their doctorates at UCSD, and to be honest, I didn't think I'd come here because I practically grew up on the campus, and I thought I'd try something new. But I became convinced that this is an excellent school, and I'm really glad I came.

Tell us about the education?
Our electrical engineering department has a wide spectrum of professors and ways of teaching. In the core courses, we have senior-level professors who get into teaching theory that is good for getting you ready for grad school or research. There are also a lot of young professors who were recruited straight from industry. They know what's going on out there, and teach technology lab courses based on what they've been through. They've even brought their instrumentation with them, and it's really cool to work in million-dollar laser and materials labs with the most cutting edge technology.

What makes UCSD so special?
This is a place where you can excel. No matter what you want to do, there are opportunities all around, and people willing to help you. If you want to work in business, do research, or get involved in leadership through the student organizations, you can do it here. When you have a good idea, there is no resistance or cut-throat atmosphere. Faculty, staff and students are willing to get mobilized quickly and get things started. This is a type of education in leadership that I don't think I could get anywhere else.

More about Yan
Yan says he discovered how to be a leader at UCSD. As President of the student chapter of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), he was instrumental in the growth of the chapter, which was recognized with the national IEEE Membership Growth Award for two consecutive years. The increase in student participation is due largely to his plan to create team-oriented projects that allow members the opportunity to develop both their technical professional skills, while earning academic credits.

Yan also expressed his commitment to community through the Teams in Engineering Service (TIES) Program, where he led a team for the Lakeside's River Park Conservancy which is creating a network of remote sensors to monitor air, ground and water quality of the San Diego River. Yan brought these lessons to life for his fellow students, teaching Principles of Team Engineering as a companion course for the TIES program.