This passage is a segment of a collection of brief interviews from the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS). Each feature highlights a student responding to inquiries about themselves and their experiences at MIT. Today’s respondent, YongYan (Crystal) Liang, is a senior specializing in EECS with a keen interest in bioengineering and medical instruments — which inspired her to participate in the Living Machines track as part of New Engineering Education Transformation (NEET) at MIT. As an Advanced Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (SuperUROP) scholar, Liang received backing from the Nadar Foundation Undergraduate Research and Innovation Scholar grant for her initiative, which concentrated on navigation systems for intravascular medication delivery devices. An avid traveler, Liang has taught robotics to learners in MISTI Global Teaching Labs (GTL) programs in Korea and Germany — and actively participates in the Terrascope and MedLinks communities.
Q: Do you have a list of things you want to do before you die? If yes, please share one or two items from it.
A: I’d like to become fluent in at least five languages in a conversational manner (though likely not at a professional level). At present, I am proficient in English and can communicate in Cantonese and Mandarin. Additionally, I have maintained a 1,600-plus day Duolingo streak where I am attempting to grasp the basics of several languages, including German, Korean, Japanese, and Russian.
Another aspiration on my list is to explore every martial art/combat sport available, even if it’s merely for an introductory class. So far, I have practiced taekwondo for several years, taken a handful of lessons in boxing/kickboxing, and experimented with beginners’ courses in karate, Krav Maga, and Brazilian jiujitsu. I likely will attempt judo, aikido, and other classes in the coming year! It would also be quite extraordinary to achieve a fourth dan black belt one day, though that might take me a decade or two.
Q: If you were to teach an extensive class on a specialized topic, what topic would you choose?
A: Personally, I am fascinated by artificial organs! I would probably discuss the integration of engineering with human anatomy, and organ enhancement. This could cover adding new functionalities and potential organ regeneration, allowing individuals awaiting organ transplants to receive assistance without the ethical dilemma of relying on another’s misfortune. I have conducted research in various BioEECS-related laboratories that I would love to elaborate on as well. This includes the Traverso Lab at Pappalardo, briefly at the Edelman Lab at the [Institute for Medical Engineering and Science], the Langer Lab at the Koch Institute of Integrative Cancer Research, as well as at the MIT Media Lab with the Conformable Decoders and BioMechatronics group. I also played a role in a recently published document concerning gastrointestinal devices: OSIRIS.
Q: If you unexpectedly won a lottery, how would you allocate some of the funds?
A: I would ensure that most of the funds went to my mom. The initial action we’d likely take would be to house hunt globally and acquire properties in stunning travel locales — then reside in those places on a rotational basis with our friends until our funds were depleted, after which we would list the properties for rent and use the income to establish a restaurant featuring my mom’s recipes. That way, I would enjoy her culinary creations indefinitely.
Q: Which invention or technology do you think is underrated?
A: I believe lots of individuals wear glasses or use contacts nowadays without giving it too much thought, overlooking how extraordinary it is that we can correct poor vision and how crucial sight is for our existence. If a zombie outbreak were to happen and my glasses broke, that would be the end for me. And let’s not even discuss the remarkable invention of the indoor toilet and plumbing systems!
Q: Are you someone who re-reads or re-watches? If yes, what are your comfort books, shows, or films?
A: I’m both! I truly enjoy bingeing webtoons and dramas. I am also a major Marvel enthusiast, though lately, the output has been hit or miss. Action and romantic comedies are my preferred styles, and occasionally I indulge in anime. When I’m feeling bored, I typically revisit some [Marvel Cinematic Universe] films, or Fairy Tail, or delve into some Isekai genre narratives.
Q: It’s time to board the shuttle to the first Mars colony, and you are allowed to bring only one personal item. What will you take with you?
A: Initially, I thought of bringing my phone, but that seems like a rather typical response. In a fantasy context, I might request Stephen Strange lend me his sling ring to create additional portals linking Earth and Mars. As for why he wouldn’t accompany us in the first place, I’m not certain; perhaps he’s preoccupied with battling aliens or some other issue?
Q: What are you anticipating about life after graduation? What do you think you’ll miss most about MIT?
A: I certainly won’t be missing dining hall meals much — except for the phenomenal oatmeal prepared by one of the Maseeh dining hall chefs, Sum! However, I am enthusiastic about transitioning to the nine-to-five work routine for a few years and reclaiming my weekends. I will deeply miss my friends, as they will be scattered across the country and overseas. I’ll cherish the evenings spent watching films, engaging in games, cooking, dining, and chatting away. I’m eager to see everyone evolve and take further strides towards their aspirations. Visiting them while also exploring the world will certainly be enjoyable! As for immediate plans, I will be returning to Apple this summer for another internship and will complete my MEng through the 6A program at Cadence. After that, I will see where life leads me!