Introduction

Hello, and welcome to my blog! My name is Jiawei Tan (Jack), and I’m passionate about leveraging advanced technology to enhance productivity and improve quality of life. Over the years, I’ve developed a strong interest in both hardware and software, and I’m excited to share my journey, experiences, and insights with you.

My Academic Background

I’m currently pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering in Electronic Science and Technology at Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, with a final GPA of 3.7. Next year, I’ll be starting my Master of Science in Computer Science at University College London (UCL). This transition from hardware-focused studies to software and computer science reflects my growing interest in the intersection of these two fields.

My Experience in Hardware and Research

During my undergraduate studies, I had the opportunity to work as a Research Assistant and a Hardware Engineer. These roles allowed me to dive deep into circuit design, simulation, and prototyping. Some highlights include:

  • Research Assistant (Jun 2021 - Aug 2021): I surveyed state-of-the-art research on CMOS logic inverters, designed circuits, and presented my findings in a poster and presentation.
  • Hardware Engineer (Jun 2023 - Sept 2023): I worked on selecting electronic components, designing circuit boards using Altium Designer, and testing prototypes in the lab.

These experiences taught me the importance of precision, problem-solving, and collaboration in engineering.

My Interest in Software and Personal Knowledge Management (PKM)

While my academic background is rooted in hardware, I’ve always been fascinated by software development and productivity tools. I’ve experimented with various Personal Knowledge Management (PKM) apps like Notion, Obsidian, Logseq, and Tana to organize my thoughts, projects, and learning. These tools have not only improved my productivity but also deepened my understanding of how technology can enhance creativity and efficiency.

Why I’m Pursuing Computer Science

As I transition to Computer Science for my master’s degree, I’m excited to explore topics like algorithms, data structures, computer architecture, and operating systems. My goal is to bridge the gap between hardware and software, creating innovative solutions that leverage the strengths of both fields.

My Career Prospects

Looking ahead, I aspire to work in roles that combine hardware and software, such as embedded systems development, IoT (Internet of Things), or AI hardware acceleration. I’m particularly interested in how emerging technologies like machine learning and quantum computing can revolutionize the way we design and interact with hardware.

What’s Next?

In future blog posts, I’ll dive deeper into specific topics like:

  • My experience with PKM tools and how they’ve transformed my workflow.
  • Insights from my transition from hardware to software.
  • Tutorials and guides on topics like circuit design, Python programming, and algorithm optimization.

Let’s Connect!

If you share similar interests or have questions, feel free to reach out to me via email or connect with me on GitHub. I’d love to hear your thoughts and collaborate on exciting projects!

Thank you for reading, and I look forward to sharing more with you soon!

Jiawei Tan (Jack)
October 5, 2023