On April 6, Professor Peter Bradley Shull from the Institute of Robotics at Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) received the 2025 President’s Award during the university’s 129th anniversary celebration.
Dr. Peter Bradley Shull joined SJTU in 2013 and was promoted to a full professor in 2021. As one of the few foreign faculty members at the university, he has made China both his professional and personal home. Dr. Shull initially started off as a lecturer and earned widespread recognition from both students and colleagues over the years for his excellence in teaching, research, and public service. He is a standout example of the university’s commitment to building a diverse faculty.
From Stanford to SJTU: A Cross-Cultural Academic Journey
As the first full-time foreign faculty member recruited by the School of Mechanical Engineering at SJTU, Dr. Shull has a long-standing connection with China. His interest in Chinese culture began during his doctoral studies at Stanford University, where he took the initiative to study Chinese. In 2011, he spent time at Tsinghua University as a visiting scholar, an experience that deepened his understanding of China’s academic environment and cultural landscape.
Driven by a vision to build a career in China, Dr. Shull made the decision to relocate to Shanghai with his family in 2013. His exceptional academic background and expertise earned him a place in the national Young Thousand Talents Program, and in 2021, he was promoted to professor, contributing to the university’s efforts in building an international research environment.
“I was drawn to SJTU for its vibrant international atmosphere and its world-class environment for research and innovation,” Dr. Shull shared. “The university also offers many programs that support the professional development of young faculty.” His family, equally captivated by Chinese culture and cuisine, found the idea of relocating across the globe both exciting and meaningful.
“The support from my colleagues has been phenomenal—professors like Lifeng Xi and Xiangyang Zhu helped me navigate the Chinese academic system,” he recalled. Over time, Dr. Shull has not only found his footing but also a genuine sense of belonging at SJTU, becoming a valued and essential member of the academic community.
Transforming Vision into Reality: A Decade of Innovation in Rehabilitation Technology
Dr. Shull’s research focuses on wearable sensors, feedback systems, and multi-sensor fusion algorithms. He established the Intelligent Wearable Device Lab and has achieved outstanding research results. His work has been supported by major national programs such as the NSFC Innovative Research Team project, and he actively collaborates with leading industry players like Bosch on academia-industry integration projects.
One notable aspect of his career is his dedication to learning Chinese. Today, he can craft professional grant proposals in Chinese and defend them fluently in Mandarin. “I practice every day,” he shared. “I read WeChat news in Chinese, and most importantly, my colleagues are always patient and willing to help me improve.”
For Dr. Shull, research and teaching go hand in hand. He sees cutting-edge research as the engine of great education and makes it a point to bring global trends and fresh discoveries into his classroom. His PhD students hail from the U.S., Canada, New Zealand, and beyond. “I push my Chinese students to think creatively and explore new approaches,” he explained. “And I challenge international students to sharpen their problem-solving skills.” Many of his students have gone on to distinguished careers—two are now associate professors at top Chinese universities, while others have pursued postdoctoral research at world-renowned institutions such as Cambridge and Stanford.
From Understanding China to Loving It: Building Bridges Across Cultures
As one of the few full-time foreign faculty members at the school, Dr. Shull stands out not only for his academic contributions but also as a testament to SJTU’s growing global reach and its commitment to building a diverse, international faculty. The university’s recruitment of young scholars is guided by rigorous academic standards, with an emphasis on talent, dedication, and real impact—values that the professor deeply resonates with.
Over the past decade, Dr. Shull has come to admire the university’s culture of fairness and meritocracy. “The university has created a truly inclusive environment where foreign faculty are given the same opportunities and challenges as their peers,” he reflected. Rather than feeling like an outsider, Peter has always felt supported—by colleagues, students, and the broader academic community. What began as a modest curiosity about Chinese culture has grown into a deep, intuitive connection. Whether it’s sharing meals with colleagues or playing basketball with students, Peter has fully embraced life on campus.
Dr. Shull’s connection to China is not just professional, but personal as well. He brought his entire family to Shanghai, where two of his three children were born. His in-laws also moved from the U.S. to help care for the children, turning their Shanghai home into a warm and lively household of seven. Dr. Shull also decided to enroll his children in local schools. “They already speak, read, and write Chinese better than I do,” he laughed, “and their math and science skills are top-notch.” In 2023, Peter and his family were granted permanent residency in China—an important milestone that further cemented their bond with the country.
Like any educator, Dr. Shull feels the weight of academic expectations. However, he firmly believes that hard work leads to growth. His optimism and drive undoubtedly fuel his continued success as both a researcher and mentor. With strong support from the university, he is determined to continue building bridges between cultures, bringing together the best of Chinese and Western education and contributing to the university’s international development.
