Profile of Xu Zhengde
2023 doctoral student in Electronic Science and Technology, School of Information Science and Technology (SIST)
Supervisor: Assistant Professor Zhu Zhifeng
Research achievements:
-Published a total of 12 papers in internationally authoritative SCI journals, including seven papers as first author or co-first author in journals such as Phys. Rev. Lett., Phys. Rev. B, Commun. Phys., Appl. Phys. Lett.;
-Published nine international conference papers as first author or co-first author;
-Long-term reviewer for Appl. Phys. Lett.
Awards and honors:
National Scholarship (PhD level), China Scholarship Council (CSC) National Scholarship for Overseas Study, Outstanding Student Award at ShanghaiTech University (2022-2025)
Academic journey—focusing on magnetic random access memory (MRAM) research
Under the guidance of Prof. Zhu Zhifeng, Xu centers his research on the application of spintronic devices in next-generation storage and computing technologies. His work focuses on MRAM and in-memory computing, conducting systematic theoretical studies and computational simulations. In contrast to traditional charge-based storage solutions, he explores how to efficiently utilize the “spin” property of electrons to improve data access speed and stability. With the explosive growth in storage demands driven by artificial intelligence development, this technology—which combines high speed and non-volatility—offers a promising direction for future storage advancements. Xu hopes to translate his modeling and algorithmic research into real improvements in hardware performance, contributing to the development of China’s semiconductor industry.
Research methodology—driven by problem awareness and sustained motivation
Throughout his research years, Xu has believed that, beyond mastering disciplinary knowledge, the most important skill is cultivating the ability to identify worthwhile research problems—what his supervisor often calls “research taste.” Whenever facing a new topic, he asks himself, “Is this problem interesting? Is it sufficiently important?” He feels that compared to merely acquiring results, the ability to keenly recognize an interesting and meaningful problem is a skill that requires long-term training. Once the “right” problem is identified, subsequent deep dives become much more motivating.
On the long and often solitary path of research, the experience Xu wants to share is this: do not dwell on the lonely times; instead, learn to capture your own “highlight moments” along the way; moments such as an exciting inspiration, an enlightening paper, or the sudden resolution of a long-standing puzzle. Finding joy in these “fragmented” moments transforms occasional doubts and wavering into resolute forward momentum.
Xu Zhengde in academic conference (first from the right)
Global perspective—enriched by diverse overseas experiences
Xu Zhengde was awarded the CSC National Scholarship for Overseas Study and conducted an exchange at the National University of Singapore. This experience expanded his research capabilities from device research into circuit design, and together with the team, he explored the full chain from novel storage devices to compute-in-memory integrated designs. He describes the highly efficient brainstorming, complementary strengths, and close collaboration within the team as profoundly rewarding. In his spare time, he often visited museums to experience diverse artistic expressions. Other times, strolling through lush green trails and occasionally encountering large lizards or other wildlife added lively ripples of interest to his research life.
Oral presentation at an academic conference
From the microscopic devices in the laboratory to the grand future of artificial intelligence, from the research life on ShanghaiTech campus to exchanges on international platforms, Xu not only focuses on the technological potential hidden in electron “spin,” but also advances steadily on the long road of scientific research. He hopes to transform this exploration—born from interest and forged through persistence—into a youthful force propelling storage and computing technologies forward.