Miscellaneous

Fun Facts

• Some professors believed students often start by chasing the contemporarily popular topics. For recent years, topics like Artificial Intelligence or Machine Learning could be their starting points. However, I went straight to operating systems without detouring other areas first. But now, I do have experience in many other areas, especially computer architectures, networks, and compilers.

Other Subjects

My favorite law is Second Law of Thermodynamics. It can not only explain the direction of natural processes but also serves as a powerful metaphor for many aspects of everyday life, such as how order is hard to maintain but easy to lose. The most memorable example comes from my high school physics teacher: learning is the process of keeping entropy of our brains low — the system (ourselves) must do work or consume energy to maintain order. I also found that this law resonates in many other fields, like interpersonal relationships, personal habits, and communities. A friendly, supportive, and collaborative environment requires continuous effort and energy from all members to sustain it. I am fortunate to be part of such communities throughout my academic journey. I would like to express my gratitude to all those who have contributed to creating and maintaining these environments. Their generosity and dedication inspire me to give back to the communities I belong to and help preserve their harmony and vitality.

I also enjoy learning mathematics in my spare time. My favorite branches are algebra and analysis. I find it fascinating how abstract structures and concepts can be rigorously defined and manipulated, and how they can be applied to solve real-world problems. I appreciate the beauty and elegance of mathematical proofs and the creativity involved in discovering new results.

Gaming

I enjoy playing transportation simulation games, such as X-Plane, Euro/American Truck Simulator, and Train Sim World. I am interested in all forms of transportation since childhood. I find these games relaxing and immersive, as they allow me to explore different modes of transportation and experience the challenges and joys of driving or flying.

UIUC campus will be part of Illinois DLC in American Truck Simulator in the near future.

Cooking

I like cooking and experimenting with different recipes and cuisines.

Music and Art

I can play the piano, but I seldom practice it nowadays. I like listening to old Chinese songs from the 80s and 90s. The oldest song I like is 乡恋 by 李谷一, which was released in 1980.