Francis Lee
Past Board Chairman, Synaptics
B.S. Electrical Engineering, ‘74
Francis Lee graduated from UC Davis with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering in 1974. In 1998, after two decades in industry, Lee became CEO of Synaptics, a position he held until 2009. During his tenure as CEO, he grew Synaptics from a small, private technology company to gain a commanding market share in interface devices in notebook computers and smartphones. Synaptics also pioneered the first clear industry capacitive touch solution in a private label Prada phone by LG Electronics and was the first technology IPO in 2002 in the NASDAQ market. Upon his retirement from management, his passions include education, healthcare, coaching and related philanthropic projects. Besides supporting the College of Engineering, he also served on the board of directors on a number of business and non- profit companies. He is a member of the American Leadership Forum, the Philanthropic Workshop and a limited partner in Legacy Ventures. He received a Distinguished and Achievement Alumni Award from UC Davis in 2014 and a Distinguished Engineering Alumni Award from the UCD College of Engineering in 2017. Lee and his wife, Evelyn, have two children, Grace and Christopher, and two grandsons. He resides in Milpitas, travels frequently and enjoys wine, food, golf and good company. Francis and Evelyn Lee are the generous donors for the Dr. Ron and Rosie Soohoo ECE Teaching Labs, 2110 and 2155.
Francis believes that a technical education is important but what differentiates a good engineering from another is their ability to communicate, how they face adversity, and their emotional intelligence. Francis lives by these simple rules: Be great. Do good. Help others when you have the ability to do so.
We took a moment to chat with Francis to learn more about what technology excites him, and also to reflect on his biggest influences when he was a UC Davis undergraduate.
What research or technology are you most excited about right now, and why?
Quantum Computing: Quantum Computing is the “enabling technology” that will impact multiple industries like semiconductors did in the last few decades as it will be the tool to enable fast and reliable simulations, research, discoveries in new products and algorithms.
How did your time at UC Davis impact you and/or prepare you for your career?
UC Davis offered relax, down to earth atmosphere while providing a vigorous and compelling education. The curriculum and schedule allowed me to work part time to fund my education. I had good and pragmatic teachers. As an example, the early 70’s was the birth of the HP35 calculator, a number of students complained the use of slide rule in exams against students that had the HP35. The professor changed the exam to answer questions with approach and equations without doing the final calculations to make a level playing field for all students.
Did you have a favorite course or instructor at UC Davis?
Dr. Ron Soohoo was my favorite instructor, and my senior project on thin film magnetic properties was my favorite course under him. Dr. Soohoo was an entrepreneur, innovator and educator. He offered inspiration and examples to all the students.
What advice would you give to young people who are currently seeking a degree in electrical and computer engineering?
While getting a good technical education is important, what differentiate one good engineer from another one are the “soft skills” like communication, dealing with adversity and emotional skills.