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Heidi Shyu
徐若冰
Heidi Shyu (2).jpg
Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering
In office
July 25, 2021 – January 20, 2025
President Joe Biden
Preceded by Michael D. Griffin
United States Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology
In office
June 4, 2011 – January 30, 2016
President Barack Obama
Preceded by Malcolm Ross O'Neill
Succeeded by Katrina G. McFarland
Personal details
Born (1953-09-28) September 28, 1953 (age 71)
Taipei, Taiwan
Education University of New Brunswick (BSc)
University of Toronto (MS)
University of California, Los Angeles (MS, MEngr)
Shyu Greene
Heidi Shyu swearing in Major General Harold J. Greene in 2012.

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 has held very important jobs in the United States government.

She served as the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering during the Biden administration. This means she helped guide new technologies for the military. Before that, she was the United States Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology. She worked on getting new equipment and supplies for the Army from 2012 to 2016.

In 2019, Heidi Shyu was chosen to be a member of the National Academy of Engineering. This was because she helped create new radar and infrared systems. These systems were very important for the US Army and Air Force.

About Heidi Shyu's Life

Heidi Shyu's family has an interesting history. Her grandfather, Xu Kangliang, was born in Zhejiang, China. He was a brave warplane pilot. He took part 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. He was born in Hangzhou, China. After a civil war in China, her whole family moved to Taiwan.

Heidi Shyu's Education

Heidi Shyu studied a lot to become an engineer. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from the University of New Brunswick. She also got a Master of Science degree in mathematics from the University of Toronto.

Later, she earned a Master of Science degree in electrical engineering. She also received an engineer's degree. Both of these degrees were from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Heidi Shyu's Career Journey

Heidi Shyu started her career as an engineer. Her first job was at Hughes Aircraft. After that, she worked at Grumman and Litton Industries.

Working at Raytheon

She spent a big part of her career at Raytheon. This is a large company that makes defense and aerospace systems. At Raytheon, she held many different leadership roles.

She managed teams working on electromagnetic systems. She also directed projects for advanced antenna technologies. She worked on integrated radar and electronic warfare sensors. She led projects for unmanned combat vehicles. She was also a Vice President for Space and Airborne Systems. Finally, she was a Corporate Vice President for Technology and Research.

Advising the Air Force

From 2000 to 2010, Heidi Shyu was a member of the United States Air Force Scientific Advisory Board. This board gives advice to the Air Force on science and technology. She was the vice-chairman of this board from 2003 to 2005. Then, she became the chairman from 2005 to 2008.

Serving in Government

Heidi Shyu has served in important roles for two different presidents.

Obama Administration Role

In February 2012, President Barack Obama chose Heidi Shyu for a new job. She was nominated to be an Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology. This job is in the US Defense Department.

The Senate committee that deals with armed services held meetings about her nomination. This happened on March 29, 2012. The committee approved her nomination on May 15, 2012. The full Senate officially confirmed her for the role on September 22, 2012. She held this important 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.

Hearings for her nomination were held on May 25, 2021. The Senate's Armed Services Committee approved her nomination on June 10, 2021. The Senate officially confirmed her on July 22, 2021. She started her new assignment on July 25, 2021.

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