Haocheng Wang - ECE PhD Student of the Month - September 2025

Haocheng Wang has had the opportunity to experience diverse research environments and cultures across different labs. He earned his B.S. and M.S. in Macau and Pittsburgh, and is now pursuing her Ph.D. at NJIT under the guidance of Dr. Tao Han. His curiosity and enthusiasm for exploring new ideas fuel his passion for daily research. Currently, his work focuses on autonomous vehicle systems, aiming to design high-performance and stable AI-driven systems that push the boundaries of technological advancement.

What would you say that could be the next big thing in your area of research?

Nowadays, “AI” is no longer just a buzzword—it has become an integral tool in almost every field of technology. Researchers across disciplines are trying to leverage AI to accelerate progress. However, for the general public, its impact sometimes feels limited due to constrained applications and adoption. I believe the next big step will be when AI seamlessly integrates into all aspects of daily life - just as smartphones have become indispensable over the past decades. In the future, we may find it unimaginable to live without AI-supported systems.

You have just passed the qualifying exam. What advice do you have for students who are about to take it?

The qualifying exam is just a milestone, not the "goal". Focus on doing solid research and sharpening your presentation skills, and you will be well prepared to pass. For new Ph.D. students, my advice is: don’t be afraid to try and fail. Explore different directions, pursue what truly interests you, and gradually discover where your real passion lies.

Your research involves a lot of work on modern software engineering at a system level. How do you find it different from theoretical studies that focus on algorithms and physics?

My research requires me to spend significant time coding and dealing with practical system-level issues, many of which are not directly related to theoretical research. While this can be challenging, I also find it rewarding - because the solutions I build can provide real-world convenience to others. That sense of direct impact makes the effort worthwhile.