Dr. Lijian Xu by Michael Catalanotti (开花)

Dr. Lijian Xu is a professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering Technology at Farmingdale State College.  Of Asian American Heritage, Dr. Xu was born in Shanghai, China. Shanghai differs from Western China in that the Eastern Chinese tend to cook sweeter, more sugary meals whereas their southern counterpart enjoys spicy foods. Hunan and Sichuan are two cities Dr. Xu mentioned which are known for spicy dishes. However, he also recommends 甜食, pronounced Tianshi, that one could expect to enjoy in the city of Shanghai. I mentioned 汤圆, Tangyuan, to which he immediately lit up! Tangyuan is a sweet rice ball that can be filled with a variety of fillings, like red bean paste. Tangyuan is often enjoyed during the Lantern Festival, however, we agree they are delicious to eat all year round!

Professionally, Dr. Lijian Xu’s main focus is computer engineering. Within computer engineering, Dr. Xu focuses his work predominantly on microprocessors. Where I previously thought otherwise, I learned from Dr. Xu that microprocessors entail knowledge about hardware as well as software. According to Xu, microprocessors are produced from 70% software knowledge and 30% hardware knowledge. His career began in China where he earned his bachelor’s degree there, and then he went on to pursue Graduate and Doctoral studies here in the states. Dr. Xu began working with AT&T on Computer Engineering related projects, then came into professing and the focus on microprocessors. Considering all of his professional accomplishments, Dr. Xu feels that his biggest accomplishment is seeing the way he has aided students to pursue careers of their own. Dr. Xu spoke of a couple of students who went on to found their own businesses. One student in particular, in just 8 years, created a business of over 300 employees! I work at a bagel store of about 20 workers in total, when thinking of the implications of a business with 300 employees I am in awe!

It was a privilege to interview Dr. Lijian Xu and I hope I have the opportunity to sit for one of his classes. His career has taken him to many successful plateaus, but I admire his dedication to his students and the enjoyment he feels towards their success!