Early Academic Pursuits
Dr. Liam Xu Zhiyu began his academic journey with a Bachelor of IT degree from Southwest University in Chongqing, China (2014–2018). With a passion for technology and innovation, he pursued further studies at Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia, where he obtained both a Bachelor of IT and an Honours Degree in 2018. His academic dedication culminated in a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from Swinburne University of Technology, Australia, completed between May 2019 and January 2023. Throughout his studies, Dr. Zhiyu consistently demonstrated academic excellence, being recognized with multiple awards and honors.
Professional Endeavors
Dr. Zhiyu has established a dynamic academic and professional career, holding the position of Lecturer II. He has served as a tutor at Monash University for the course ‘FIT9136 – Algorithms and Programming Foundations in Python,’ effectively managing classes of up to 60 students, covering essential Python programming concepts, data structures, and object-oriented programming. Additionally, he has made notable contributions at Swinburne University of Technology as a convenor, lecturer, tutor, and course designer, leading courses such as ‘COS30049 Technology Application Project,’ ‘CYB60001 How to Think Like a Hacker,’ and ‘CYB60004 Networks and Cybersecurity Frameworks,’ among others. His expertise spans blockchain development, cybersecurity, Android system security, and smart contract auditing.
Contributions and Research Focus
Dr. Zhiyu’s research focuses on blockchain security, cross-chain smart contract security, decentralized applications, and network security frameworks. His major consultancy project, the Ethereum Foundation Project Application and Research (2022–2023), highlights his expertise in cross-chain security platforms, vulnerability detection, and control flow graph visualization. Furthermore, he has contributed to 11 publications, participated actively in research grants, and engaged with the global blockchain and cybersecurity communities through significant collaborations and research outputs.
Impact and Influence
Dr. Zhiyu’s influence extends beyond academic institutions. As a keynote speaker during Singapore Blockchain Week 2022, he delivered an insightful address on securing and managing digital assets on the blockchain. His leadership roles include serving as the Web Chair at the Australasian Information Security Conference (AISC 2022) and as a Program Committee Member for the IEEE Blockchain-2023 Conference, further illustrating his role as an influencer in the cybersecurity and blockchain arenas.
Academic Cites and Recognitions
Throughout his academic and professional career, Dr. Zhiyu has been honored with several awards including the Best Paper Award at IEEE SMDS 2021, the Pham Family Honors Award from Deakin University in 2018, and the Deakin Summer Project Prize in 2017. His research works, cited in numerous blockchain security and IT innovation studies, are reflective of his dedication to advancing knowledge and industry practice.
Technical Skills
Dr. Zhiyu is proficient in Python programming, smart contract development using REMIX, decentralized application (DApp) development with web3.js, Android application security analysis, network protocol analysis, and ethical hacking strategies. His technical expertise also includes course development in CANVAS and creating robust cybersecurity frameworks and lab experiments.
Teaching Experience
With rich teaching experience, Dr. Zhiyu has led courses with class sizes ranging from 20 to 500 students. He has consistently excelled in preparing course content, mentoring students, conducting collaborative sessions, and designing innovative assessment methods. His roles at Swinburne University and Monash University showcase his ability to inspire and educate future IT professionals effectively.
Legacy and Future Contributions
Dr. Zhiyu’s contributions to academia and industry are shaping the next generation of cybersecurity and blockchain experts. His ongoing commitment to cross-chain smart contract security research and education innovation signals a promising future. He aspires to further expand his research into decentralized security systems, mentor young talents in technology, and bridge the gap between academic research and real-world application through impactful projects and international collaborations.