Heidi Shyu facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Heidi Shyu
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| 徐若冰 | |
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| Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering | |
| In office July 25, 2021 – January 20, 2025 |
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| President | Joe Biden |
| Preceded by | Michael D. Griffin |
| Succeeded by | Emil Michael |
| United States Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology | |
| In office June 4, 2011 – January 30, 2016 |
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| President | Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | Malcolm Ross O'Neill |
| Succeeded by | Katrina G. McFarland |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 28, 1953 Taipei, Taiwan |
| Education | University of New Brunswick (BSc) University of Toronto (MS) University of California, Los Angeles (MS, MEngr) |
Heidi Shyu (Chinese: Chinese: 徐若冰; pinyin: Xú Ruòbīng) was born on September 28, 1953. She is an American engineer who was born in Taiwan. She served as a top leader in the United States government. From July 2021 to January 2025, she was the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering in the Biden administration. This important job involved helping to develop new technology for defense.
Before that, she held another key role. From 2012 to 2016, she was the United States Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology. In this position, she helped the Army get the equipment and technology it needed. In 2019, Heidi Shyu was chosen to be a member of the National Academy of Engineering. This honor recognized her work in creating new radar and special sensing systems for the US Army and Air Force.
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About Heidi Shyu
Heidi Shyu's family has an interesting history. Her grandfather, Xu Kangliang, was a brave warplane pilot from China. He fought in many air battles during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Later, he became a high-ranking officer in the Republic of China Air Force. Her father, Xu Naili, was a historian. After a big war in China, her family moved to Taiwan.
Her Education
Heidi Shyu studied mathematics and engineering at several universities. She earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics from the University of New Brunswick. She also received a master's degree in mathematics from the University of Toronto. Later, she earned two more degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles. These included a master's degree in electrical engineering and an engineer's degree.
Her Career Journey
Heidi Shyu started her career as an engineer at Hughes Aircraft. She then worked at other companies like Grumman and Litton Industries.
Working at Raytheon
A large part of her career was spent at Raytheon, a major defense company. At Raytheon, she held many different leadership roles. She managed teams working on electromagnetic systems and advanced antenna technologies. She also led projects for fighter jets and unmanned vehicles. Eventually, she became a Corporate Vice President of Technology and Research. Her last role there was Vice President of Technology Strategy for Space and Airborne Systems.
Advising the Air Force
From 2000 to 2010, Heidi Shyu was a member of the United States Air Force Scientific Advisory Board. This group gives advice to the Air Force on science and technology. She served as the vice-chairman of this board from 2003 to 2005. Then, she became the chairman from 2005 to 2008.
Government Service
Heidi Shyu has served in important roles for two different US presidents.
Obama Administration Role
In February 2012, President Barack Obama chose her for a key position. She was nominated to be an Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology. This role is part of the United States Department of Defense. The Senate approved her nomination in September 2012. She held this job until January 30, 2016.
Biden Administration Role
On April 27, 2021, President Joe Biden nominated Heidi Shyu for another high-level position. She was chosen to be the next Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. The Senate confirmed her for this role on July 22, 2021. She officially started her assignment on July 25, 2021, and served until January 20, 2025.
