While studying advanced Chinese at Tsinghua University in 2009, Robert recognized the growing need for an intensive Chinese language program that combines best practices from China and the West. He has since dedicated himself to helping develop the Chinese Language Institute into a global leader in Chinese language and cultural education.

Robert graduated summa cum laude from Virginia Tech with a BA in Political Science and Communication and holds an MBA/MA joint master’s degree from the Wharton School and Lauder Institute at the University of Pennsylvania. Robert is fluent in Chinese.

As of this writing in 2026, CLI remains Robert’s full-time professional focus.