Eric Tao

Dr. Eric Tao is a full professor of innovation and computer science at the California State University Monterey Bay since 1998. His research interests include FinTech (Financial Technology), innovation, economic development, e-learning and information systems.

He founded the Institute for Innovation and Economic Development at the University since 2009. Dr. Tao also founded and directed the School of Computing and Design between 2003 and 2015. Under his leadership, the School grows to have over a thousand students, 50 faculty, staff and researchers, receiving multi-million dollars of funding annually from public and private sources, including a $43 million dollars funding to construct the Gambord/BIT building on campus. The School offers degree programs in Communication Design, Instructional Science, Computer Science and Information Technology and conducts researches in a wide spectrum of technology-related fields. Dr. Tao also funded the unique completely online BS Computer Science program at the School. SCD is considered one of the most innovative academic units among all California public universities.

Supported by Economic Development Administration of United States, the Institute for Innovation and Economic Development serves the Greater Monterey Bay region by providing a venue for innovative ideas, the commercial transfer of research and technology, and a support network for start-ups and entrepreneurs. Many companies that supported by the Institute grow to be successful ventures.

Dr. Tao has published numerous papers and articles in innovation, financial technology (FinTech), educational technology, globalization, and higher education. He often speaks at international conferences on global technology, innovation and education issues. He also serves as judges at many business plan competitions.

Dr. Eric Tao has served several leadership positions: Chairman of the Board of Truestees of Phillips Graduate University (2017-present), President of Mt Sierra College (2016-2018), Leadership Monterey Peninsula, Zeuss Group Inc, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), National Health Research Institute of the Republic of China, Hartnell College, Cabrillo College, Marina Technology Cluster and University Corporation. Between 1987 and 1992, he worked for RMO Inc as Chief Software Engineer. Between 1992 and 1997, he co-founded and worked as CEO of WingTech Corporation, a firm that specialized in industrial and medical image-based inspection systems and later acquired by Aerosino Corp.

Eric Tao received his Ph.D. in Computer Engineering from the University of California, Irvine, M.S. in Computer and Information Science from the New Jersey Institute of Technology. Bachelor's degree is in Electrical Engineering is from National Sun Yat Sen University. He received multiple UC Regents Scholarship at UC Irvine; graduated with a perfect GPA from NJIT; served as president of student government while at NSYSU. He received Outstanding Alum of NSYSU in 2013.

Dr. Tao is fluent in Chinese and familiar with Chinese culture and business. He enjoys tennis, playing cello, skiing, cycling, classical music, and seafood. He currently resides in Carmel, California.