Interview with Faculty
Professor Chun-Feng Wu: Pursue Dreams Unwaveringly, Never Give Up
The College of Computer Science is excited to welcome a new professor this year who brings extensive experience and a deep passion—Professor Chun-Feng Wu. Professor Wu has been devoted to scientific research since childhood. Growing up in an environment immersed in information technology education, he has spent many years in academic exploration, specializing in system design and software development, while accumulating extensive experience in both teaching and research. With a profound passion for education, Professor Wu will bring fresh perspectives and energy to the college. He is committed to helping students discover their potential and create personalized learning paths.
Family Influence and Interest Exploration
Professor Wu's passion for information technology began in childhood, and he was influenced by his father and had an early fascination with technology. Although computer science was not as widespread at that time, he found inspiration through self-study in mathematics and physics, as well as by reading biographies of renowned scientists, thereby fueling his aspiration to become a scientist like Newton. In high school, Professor Wu was introduced to programming languages, which ignited his curiosity in computer science and led him to pursue a degree in the subject. Throughout his academic journey, he has remained dedicated to his passion for knowledge and teaching, with a long-term focus on advancing research.
Academic Pursuit: A Journey of Exploration in System Design and Software Research
System design and software research have been central to Professor Wu's academic journey. Since his master's studies, he has made system design his primary research focus. Driven by a self-challenging mindset, he has thoroughly explored the complex field of computer science, which requires a solid foundation of knowledge. Reflecting on his decision to pursue system design, Professor Wu acknowledges that the path was fraught with uncertainties and challenges. However, it was these very obstacles that made the experience profoundly rewarding for him.
His initial exploration began during his master's studies, a time when software and networking technologies were rapidly developing, and emerging fields like IoT (Internet of Things) and automotive networks were gaining significant attention. However, Professor Wu did not follow the trend by choosing popular networking technologies; instead, with a determination to "fill the gap," he chose the relatively niche field of system design. During his early research, he delved into large-scale system design, which not only required excellent programming skills but also a deep understanding of the logic and architecture behind system operations. Professor Wu spent two years familiarizing himself with and mastering the core technologies of system research, gradually building a solid knowledge foundation in this area. He admits that this period of system study was not only a technical breakthrough but also laid a strong foundation for his future academic research.
Throughout his journey in system design research, Professor Wu encountered numerous challenges. He highlights that the complexity of system design arises from the need to integrate multiple layers of technology, including hardware architecture, software programming, and the operational logic of operating systems. With limited resources available at the time, he had to tackle intricate system design problems under constrained conditions, frequently turning to academic literature for insights and breakthroughs. This experience taught him that system design demands not only technical expertise but also sharp observational skills and unwavering patience. These lessons have since become invaluable assets in his teaching and research, enriching his understanding of "systems thinking" within Computer Science.
During his doctoral research, Professor Wu advanced his exploration of software and system integration. He tackled a long-standing challenge: how to optimize hardware-software collaboration within existing system architectures while improving system stability and efficiency. This endeavor required not only patience and creativity but also resilience. Over several years, he designed and tested a range of software architectures to identify solutions that would best meet future demands. Professor Wu asserts that research in system design goes beyond technological innovation; it demands a deep, analytical approach to problem-solving. Despite facing numerous bottlenecks, he remained committed to his belief that "the true value of a system lies in the practical solutions it offers." This practical, demand-driven mindset led to significant breakthroughs in his system design research.
During his postdoctoral research, Professor Wu traveled abroad to study and collaborate with leading universities. He observed that the research environment abroad not only emphasizes technological innovation but also strongly values interdisciplinary collaboration. During his time overseas, he worked with scholars from various fields, which broadened the application of system design and deepened his understanding of system research. He shared that his time abroad allowed him to immerse himself in different academic cultures, especially the research model where "students lead teachers." In this collaborative environment, professors and students work together to address real-world problems, infusing research with greater motivation and direction. He believes such experience not only expanded his technical knowledge but also inspired new ideas for his teaching.
Today, Professor Wu has returned to Taiwan and is teaching at the College of Computer Science, where he imparts his extensive experience in system design and software integration to the next generation of students. He strongly believes that system design is not merely a technical skill but also a discipline that fosters comprehensive and precise thinking. He hopes to provide students with a solid foundation of knowledge through his teaching, enabling them to apply it effectively in both research and practice. Professor Wu's journey in system design embodies the unwavering spirit of academic exploration and serves as an inspiration for students to discover their professional paths throughout their learning journey.
Teaching Philosophy: Guiding Self-Discovery and Personal Growth
Professor Wu is both a committed academic researcher and a passionate educator. He believes that teaching goes beyond the mere transfer of knowledge; its true essence lies in helping students discover their own identities and uncover their genuine interests throughout the learning journey. Drawing from his own experiences, he hopes to guide students in making informed decisions about their academic and career paths, rather than simply following trends or the choices of others.
In managing his laboratory, Professor Wu places a strong emphasis on the importance of "self-exploration." He encourages students to use their two years of study to gain a deeper understanding of their personalities, interests, and the career paths that best align with their strengths. Rather than pursuing fleeting trends or following the crowd, he believes students should focus on finding educational and professional paths that reflect their true selves. This focus on personal growth has made his teaching style particularly popular among students, fostering a close, trusting relationship between him and those he mentors.
Pursue Dreams Unwaveringly, Never Give Up
At the end of the interview, Professor Wu shared the guiding motto that he has lived by: "Never give up." He reflected on the setbacks and challenges he encountered throughout his academic and professional journey, yet remained steadfast in his pursuit of his dream of becoming a professor. He firmly believes that, regardless of the path, success is rooted in perseverance and a strong belief in oneself. Professor Wu's experiences and teaching philosophy have undeniably brought fresh perspectives and energy to the College of Computer Science. His presence will undoubtedly inspire more students to boldly explore their potential and pursue their dreams. Finally, let us warmly welcome Professor Chun-Feng Wu to the College of Computer Science and look forward to his continued breakthroughs in both teaching and research as he leads the college toward a brighter future!