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About Liang

Educator. Technologist.Lifelong Learner.

Education, technology, community, and public service have been recurring threads throughout my life.

I have been a university professor, a Silicon Valley technologist, a volunteer K–12 teacher, a grassroots community organizer, a school board member, and a city councilmember. And today, I am a student again.

I am running for Trustee Area 4 on the Foothill-De Anza Community College District Board in the November 2026 election.

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From Academia to Silicon Valley

1993–2026

I earned my B.S. and M.S. in Computer Engineering from National Chiao Tung University and my Ph.D. in Computer Science from Princeton University.

From 1993 to 1996, I served as an Assistant Professor at Iowa State University, then spent nearly two years as a Visiting Research Scientist at the Technical University of Munich.

Over the next 28 years, I worked in Silicon Valley technology, including startups and consulting related to software, hardware, EdTech, IoT, AI/ML, product design, and emerging technologies.

Teaching Students to Think, Question, and Explore

2011–2021

I co-founded and co-taught the Wonderland Explorer Math Circle, volunteered in computer science and mathematics classrooms through EnCorps, and taught AP and introductory computer science through TEALS.

I also co-founded Young American Policy Advocates, helping high-school students learn about government, research, advocacy, and public speaking through real local issues.

From Grassroots Advocacy to Public Service

2014–2026

My path to elected office began in the community. I co-founded and helped lead Better Cupertino to advocate for reasonable policies, transparency, and accountability.

In 2016, I was elected to the Cupertino Union School District Board. In 2018, I was elected to the Cupertino City Council and was reelected in 2022.

A Student Again

Today

Over several quarters at Foothill-De Anza, I have taken classes in civic leadership, business, technology, and film, and I plan to keep exploring educational technology and AI—especially how AI can enhance learning and prepare students for a rapidly changing world.

Watch: The Accidental Mayor

In my TEDx talk, “Accidental Mayor: From Debugging Chips to Solving City Problems,” I share how my path from technology and community advocacy led into public service.

Watch the TEDx Talk →

Experience at a Glance

Education
  • B.S., Computer Engineering, National Chiao Tung University — 1986
  • M.S., Computer Engineering, National Chiao Tung University — 1988
  • Ph.D., Computer Science, Princeton University — 1993
Academic Teaching & Research
  • Assistant Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Iowa State University — 1993–1996
  • Visiting Research Scientist, Technical University of Munich — 1997–1998
  • Wonderland Explorer Math Circle, Co-Founder / Co-Teacher — Volunteer — 2011–2017
Technology & Professional Experience
  • Silicon Valley technology — 1998–2026; software and hardware design
  • Technology startups and consulting — 2017–Present; EdTech, IoT, AI/ML, product design, and emerging technologies
  • Omdena, Volunteer Product / Project Manager — 2022
STEM & Civic Education
  • EnCorps STEM Teachers Program, Fellow / Classroom Volunteer — 2018–2019
  • TEALS, Volunteer Computer Science Teacher — 2018–2021
  • Young American Policy Advocates, Co-Founder, Program & Partnership Development — Volunteer — 2019–2022
Public Service
  • Cupertino Union School District Board — elected 2016
  • Cupertino City Council — 2018–2026; reelected 2022
Community & Civic Leadership
  • Better Cupertino, Co-Founder and Former President — 2014–2018
  • YMCA Camp Campbell, Board Member — 2015–Present
  • League of Women Voters of Southwest Santa Clara Valley, Board Member / Housing and Transportation Chair — 2018–2023