By Caroline Osterman
Over the past eight years, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and Berkeley alumnus Coleman Fung has provided students of the university a significant platform in innovation and engineering. Since founding the Fung Institute for Engineering Leadership in 2010, Coleman has collaborated with the School of Public Health and the College of Engineering to contribute to the undergraduate experience as well. Together the university launched a new program in 2016: The Fung Fellowship for Wellness and Technology Innovations, which encourages juniors and seniors to create cutting-edge, breakthrough solutions in sustained health and technology for our oldest and youngest populations. Having just concluded its second year, the Fung Fellowship saw its first cohort graduate this May. One of these fellows, Louis Huang, accepted an offer to the Master of Engineering program — the first Fung fellow to do so. In taking this leap to further his passion in engineering, Louis has also realized Coleman Fung’s vision in bridging Berkeley’s undergraduate and graduate studies in innovation and engineering. I spoke with Louis about his background and experience as a Berkeley undergrad, as well as what he looks forward to next year as a Master in Engineering candidate. Louis credits his love of engineering to a childhood full of science-fiction novels and scientific animations. Originally from Shanghai, China, he and his parents immigrated to Irvine, California in 2013 halfway through high school — but he’d known what he wanted to do in life much earlier. At 10 years old he was introduced to the world of artificial intelligence (AI) and computer science when he helped design a robot in elementary school and represented the team in a tournament. Growing older as he graduated middle and then high school, he became captivated with the problem-solving potential of computer science. To Louis, engineering offers the infinite possibility to make things happen.“I’d like to be part of the process to create technology and products that make our lives easier.”

“Being a part of the Fung Fellowship not only makes us a well-qualified product innovator and public wellness pioneer, but also a team player, even under a complex problem setting.”

“Being part of the MEng Program will train me technically and the business side, as well as provide opportunities to work directly with Berkeley faculties, staff, and other students.”Both the Fung Fellowship and MEng teams are enthusiastic for bridging the two programs, and the pathway being laid for fellows like Louis hoping to further their education in engineering. “Louis is exceptionally hardworking, kind, positive, and considerate of his teammates and the communities he works with on every project,” commented Adrienne Greer, Program Specialist for the Fung Fellowship. “He has flourished in the Fellowship and we are thrilled for him to continue innovating and growing his leadership skills in the MEng program!” “We are thrilled that Louis has chosen to stay at the Fung Institute for his masters degree in the Berkeley MEng,” added Beth Leven, Director of Academic Affairs at the Fung Institute. “His experience in the Fung Fellowship provides a great foundation for continued experiential learning and work on technology for social good in diverse teams, that will benefit both Louis and his peers going into the new MEng cohort. We are excited to see his journey in the program and what direction his career will take upon graduation.”
“His experience in the Fung Fellowship provides a great foundation for continued experiential learning and work on technology for social good.”I asked Louis to conclude with his advice for Fung fellows hoping to continue as a Master — he recommends doing extensive research to figure out whether the Berkeley MEng program is right for you. As a prospective applicant, your best method is to utilize the Fung Institute’s many online resources regarding program’s structure, coursework, and project opportunities. Louis’ advice on crafting your application is to highlight not just your academic achievements, but your leadership and extracurricular activities as well. The MEng program values applicants with a passion for both engineering and leadership, and the curriculum reflects it — so be prepared to showcase a well-rounded background and convince the admissions committee that you’re a good fit for the program as a whole!

Fung Fellow to MEng student: Louis Huang on a lifelong journey in engineering was originally published in Berkeley Master of Engineering on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.