Losing Time, Gaining Clarity
Photo courtesy of Jiahao "Jacky" Han
Jiahao "Jacky" Han ’17
A native of Xi'an, China, Jiahao "Jacky" Han ’17 was a physics major when he took on an assignment in a computer-science class that absorbed his attention for hours at a time. That’s when he knew he had found a second passion (and major). Learn about this versatile musician/scientist’s love of experimental Japanese fiction, Michael Jackson’s moonwalk and more.
Majors:
Computer science and physics.
Clubs and organizations:
Math/Computer Science Club (board member), Physics Club, Media Center (), math department (teaching assistant) and computer science department (student assistant).
Honors/scholarships/awards:
John Montgomery Scholarship, Jane Hill Prize in Computer Science (2013-14) and Dean’s List.
Favorite book:
The Moon and Sixpence by W. Somerset Maugham.
Favorite movie:
The Godfather.
On choosing a major:
I took a computer-architecture class last semester, and we were asked to make breadboard circuits. While I was working on that project, I lost track of time—two or three hours would go by without my noticing. That’s when I realized that I really love and enjoy studying computer science. As for physics, well, it has been my thing since middle school.
Favorite professor:
My percussion professor, [Contributing Faculty in Music] David Zygmunt. He taught me techniques that I can use to play songs I really love—rock, jazz, anything.
Favorite place on campus:
The field across from Baird and McClintock.
Favorite Dining Hall food:
Buffalo hot wings.
Little-known talent:
I can do [Michael Jackson’s] dance to “Billie Jean” from beginning to the end, including the moonwalk.
If I could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, it would be …
… Haruki Murakami.
In a perfect world …
… there would be no flies or mosquitoes.
Most important thing I’ve learned (so far):
Challenges help you grow.
Learn more
Published March 23, 2015