Jing Sun

Name: Jing Sun
Place of Employment: University of Michigan
Job Title: Professor
Education: University of Science and Technology of China, BS Electrical Engineering
University of Science and Technology of China, MS Electrical Engineering
University of Southern California, Ph.D Electrical Engineering-Systems

Jing Sun's path to the STEM field started worlds away, geographically and experientially. She received her B. S. and M. S. degrees from University of Science and Technology of China in 1982 and 1984 respectively, all in Electrical Engineering, at the time when China was a very closed and different country. She was very fortunate to have the opportunity to continue her education in the U.S., receiving her Ph.D in Electrical Engineering at the University of Southern California.  From 1989-1993, she was on the faculty of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, Wayne State University. She joined Ford Research Laboratory in 1993 where she worked, first as a technical specialist then a project leader, in the Powertrain Control Systems Department on engine emission control and fuel economy optimization projects. After spending almost 10 years in industry, she came back to academia and joined the Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering Department and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department at the University of Michigan in September 2003, where she is a full professor now.  Jing Sun is a leading expert in the area of adaptive control and dynamics. She's a prolific researcher who has published over 180 papers in journals and conference proceedings. She is also an innovator, with 37 U.S. patents under her name. Her recent work focuses on adaptive and optimal control of safety-critical energy systems in mobile applications. Her true passion is on teaching and interacting with young students, from whom she gets her constant inspiration.

What is the greatest challenge you’ve encountered during your career in STEM?:
Make yourself believe in yourself.

What do you think is the most exciting thing about having a career in STEM?
To experience the excitament and satisfaction of making things work.

If you could give one piece of advice to a girl who is considering doing a Silver or Gold Award based on STEM or pursuing a career in STEM, what would that be?:
Trust yourself, you can do it, and find a mentor who can help you to realize your dream.