Bobby
Who am I?
Hey, I’m Bobby Yan—a wanderer on this big ol’ spinning rock we call home, always searching for the next horizon. My journey so far has been a mix of academic rigor, personal exploration, and a deep love for the little things that make life meaningful. I graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in electrical engineering and computer science, but by the time I held that diploma, I knew there was more to uncover. That led me to start my Ph.D. at Stanford, where I’m working on building efficient and usable machine learning systems. My goal is to make technology work smarter, not harder, and to create systems that are more in tune with how humans think and live. It’s not just about solving technical problems—it’s about shaping the future of how we interact with machines. I spend a lot of time staring at code and whiteboards, wrestling with problems that feel like puzzles. It’s not always glamorous, but there’s something deeply satisfying about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, about knowing that the work I’m doing could one day change the world.
When I’m not in front of a screen, you’ll often find me outside, soaking up the sunshine and fresh breeze. Whether I’m trading volleys on the badminton or tennis court, striking a warrior pose on my yoga mat, pushing through a calisthenics routine, or being humbled by the grandeur of Mother Nature on a hiking trail, I’m constantly reminded of how much beauty and balance there is to life. These moments of movement and connection with the world around me are more than just a break—they’re a vital part of how I recharge, reflect, and stay inspired. Life, after all, isn’t just about solving problems; it’s about experiencing the world in all its richness.
But life isn’t just about what we do—it’s about how we think. I’ve always been drawn to the big questions: What is love? What does it mean to live a meaningful life? How do we balance progress with humanity? These questions don’t have easy answers, but I believe they’re worth asking. They shape how I approach my work, my relationships, and my understanding of the world. I’m fascinated by the intersection of technology and philosophy, by the ways we can use tools to not only solve problems but also to deepen our understanding of what it means to be human. It’s not enough to build things that work—we have to build things that matter.
Music is the heartbeat of life—every moment of this wild ride is better when it’s set to a good beat. My playlist is like a big ol’ hearty melting pot, overflowing with flavors from every corner of the musical spectrum. I’ve got funky tunes that make you wanna boogie, soulful blues that stir something deep within, hip-hop beats that thump through your bones, and the electrifying pulse of EDM. You name it, I’ve got it. I’m always on the hunt for that next track that makes you stop and say, “What is this?” Because great music, like great technology, has the power to move people, to shift perspectives, and to make you see the world in a whole new way. Whether I’m mixing it up on Spotify, SoundCloud, or NetEase Music, I’m chasing those moments where sound becomes something more—a spark, a feeling, a connection. Music isn’t just something I listen to; it’s something I live by.
But here’s the truth: as much as I care about my work and the impact it can have on the world, none of it truly comes alive without the people you share it with. The real magic isn’t just in the thrill of discovery or the beat of the music—it’s in the people. It’s in the belly laughs shared with friends after a long day at work, the adrenaline-fueled rounds of games with family that remind you what really matters, and the joyfully chaotic karaoke sessions with loved ones where it doesn’t matter if you’re on key—it’s about being together. Those moments—raw, unfiltered, and full of life—are the real treasures. The family we choose and the family we come from are my rock, my guiding light. They’re the ones who make the highs higher and the lows bearable. No matter where my curiosity or ambition takes me, those people come first. Every conversation, every shared sunrise or sunset, every experience—it’s all imprinted in my soul like a photograph. When all’s said and done, it’s the people in our lives who give meaning to the work we do and the journeys we take. They’re my north star, lighting the way through this vast, unpredictable wilderness we call life.
So, what’s next? I don’t know exactly, and that’s the exciting part. I’m here to build things that matter, to explore ideas that push boundaries, and to live a life that’s full of curiosity and purpose. If you’re someone who’s not afraid to dream big, to take risks, and to chase the things that truly matter, say hi. The future isn’t going to build itself. Let’s make something extraordinary.
