USA (1988 - 1997)
In 1987, my parents came to Michigan from China for the pursuit of a better life.
My father was 1 of only 4 PhD researchers to receive scholarship to study at Oakland University.
Born in Pontiac, I went to Meadow Brook Elementary and enjoyed a wonderful childhood.
Sega Genesis, Detroit Red Wings, and Ninja Turtles were my staple growing up.
Grandmother and father standing at Dodge Hall of Engineering, Oakland University
My mother, grandmother, father and I at the banks of a river
My father, at Meadow Brook Theatre, waiting to receive his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering
My father and I playing in the open spaces when we lived at Rochester Villas
Enjoying the sun and a cool drink at the Detroit Zoo
Mom and I posing with Donald Duck at Disney World. My fashion sense at that time was simply fabulous
What was and will never be. Familiar faces, but I was never meant to be amongst them
Singapore (1997 - 2007)
After my father’s PhD, our family moved to Singapore, a country in South East Asia, when I was 9.
In a multi-cultural society, I grew up in an island city-state known for it’s amazing food and great social indicators.
My father taught at a university there, so I was exposed to higher education from a very young age.
The Merlion, official Mascot of Singapore, has the head of a lion and body of a fish. Seen here at the tourism island of Sentosa
Situated in the Malaysian peninsula and naturally protected by typhoons, the port of Singapore sees around 140,000 cargo ships annually
Popular tourism destinations backdropped by high density housing apartments
The popular Clarke Quay is a must-visit tourism destination
Eastern culture meets Western development when looking down a local street in the city center
With only 290 sq mi and almost 6 million in population, different cultures mingle at close range harmoniously
My wife, Shelly, posing in front of Chinatown, Singapore. A direct translation of the words is "Bull Cart Water"
Australia (2007 - 2016)
At 18, I left Singapore for the University of Adelaide, Australia to pursue my Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering.
It was another cultural shift, this time much more English in nature, where work-life balance was in amazing harmony.
Wanting to follow in my father’s footsteps, I pursued a PhD degree too, and achieved a “Dean's Commendation for Doctoral Thesis Excellence”.
I am eternally grateful to my PhD advisor, Prof. John Abraham.
During my PhD studies, I met the love of my life, Shelly, and we were married in 2014 at the age of only 26.
Bonython Hall, University of Adelaide. Where I had my graduation ceremony
Living in the Southern Hemisphere has it's quirks. Christmas parade in 104F and wearing shorts
Rundle Mall pedestrian shopping mall, in the heart of Adelaide
Victor Harbor, South Australia, where my wife and I went on our first date
Witnessing the powers of erosion at Kangaroo Island, South Australia
At West Bay Beach, Kangaroo Island, South Australia
Arriving for wine tasting at Hugh Hamilton Wines, McLaren Vale, South Australia
Cloudy skies but happy spirits. Wine tasting at The Lane Vineyard, Hahndorf
Dudley Wines, Kangaroo Island, South Australia
During my 4-month stint at Purdue University as a visiting scholar. My PhD advisor, Prof. John Abraham, in the center
The place I feel most relaxed at - the library. Here at the State Library Victoria, Melbourne, Victoria
With my wife at the Sydney Harbor Opera House, Sydney, New South Wales
In my own thoughts, at my office space doing my PhD research
With a published copy of my completed PhD thesis
The last residence that my wife and I lived in at Australia. It's backyard had grape vines, mulberry trees, peach trees, and a lemon tree
USA (2016 - )
After submitting my PhD thesis, it was a tough 4-months of job searching. Never have I felt such a low-point in my life. Shelly’s support made the gloom seem brighter.
With serendipitous timing, I land a job with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles in 2016. I am back in Michigan.
Recalling fond memories growing up in Rochester, we buy our first home that looks into Bloomer Park and next to the amazing downtown.
In 2017, Shelly and I welcomed Christopher to the world. I named him after the smart and kind young boy from the Winnie the Pooh stories.
In 2020, at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Shelly and I welcomed Calvin to the world. His name was inspired by the naughty yet introspective young boy from the Calvin & Hobbes comic stories.
I moved to General Motors in 2021, where I now work as a Fuel Cell Sub-system Engineer.
Reporting for my first day of work in the United States. Visitor lobby at FCA Global Headquarters, Auburn Hills
Living room of our first owned home at the open house viewing. The décor was a little too busy for our tastes
Christopher, artistically taking a selfie during a pitstop on a road trip to Toronto
Calvin being his usual self, very much in line with the comic namesake
Outside St Philip's Episcopal Church, where Christopher had his first piano recital
With Shelly and Christopher in his 1st grade classroom at North Hill Elementary
General Motors Global Headquarters, Detroit