“Rather than focusing solely on theoretical research, the SFBU curriculum emphasizes practical applications, equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in Silicon Valley’s competitive high-tech environment.”
From the bustling streets of Taiwan to the forefront of artificial intelligence education in Silicon Valley, Professor Henry Chang’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and innovation.
His journey began in 1981 when Prof. Chang moved from Taiwan to pursue his studies in Artificial Intelligence at the Computer Science Department of the University of Texas at Austin. After completing his studies, he started his professional career at FMC, a defense contractor best known for its Bradley Combat Vehicle. There, he contributed to pioneering projects that employed AI to develop safety features for vehicles–a.k.a, the early explorations into self-driving technology. After retiring from Hewlett Packard (HP) years later, in 2005, he worked as a CTO for several start-up companies.
Shortly after, in 1991, Prof. Chang returned to academia and joined SFBU as the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs and Chair of the Computer Systems Engineering Program, focusing on bridging the gap between theoretical concepts and practical applications.
Thirty-three years later, Prof. Chang teaches in the Computer Science department at the forefront of generative AI education. His courses, "GenAI-based Intelligent Apps Development," "GenAI & Prompt Engineering," and “3D LiDAR Sensor Applications for Gesture and Object Recognition in Robotics Using GenAI Techniques,” are among the first of their kind, offering students a unique advantage in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. These classes emphasize real-world applications, enabling students to work on industrial projects in their Capstone course and setting them apart from peers at other universities.
“What distinguishes the education at SFBU is the direct connection to industry demands,” Prof. Chang explains when asked about why students should choose SFBU. Rather than focusing solely on theoretical research, the SFBU curriculum emphasizes practical applications, equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in Silicon Valley’s competitive high-tech environment. Through objective teaching, Prof. Chang and his colleagues ensure that SFBU graduates leave with confidence and the expertise to excel in real-world projects.
Having faced numerous challenges as an immigrant, including raising a family while navigating a new culture in the U.S., Prof. Chang’s resilience is an inspiration. His key advice for students is simple yet powerful: persistence. Through his work, Prof. Chang exemplifies how perseverance and a commitment to learning can lead to a fulfilling and impactful career.
Outside of his professional commitments, Prof. Chang enjoys reading and watching movies. He founded the Silicon Valley Movie and Literature Club, established in 2006, boasting 280 members dedicated to serious discussion of films.
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