Can you tell us more about your recent accomplishments, awards, etc?

I was awarded Graduate Staff Service Award by the Engineering Undergraduate Research Office (EURO) at Purdue. I served as a Graduate Mentor in the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program to provide general research guidance, professional development, and administrative support to the whole SURF 2022 cohort. It was not only a great summer to serve my students in various ways, but it was also a great time to work with the SURF leadership team at the EURO office! I thoroughly enjoyed the mentoring experience!

Where are you from?

Guangzhou, China. It’s the city at the heart of the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macau Greater Bay Area. If you’re a foodie, you won’t regret a visit!

What activities are you involved in on campus? (Hobbies?)

I like reading books and playing piano and ukulele. I also like to swim, take walks, and hike with my friends. This semester, I’ve been enjoying going to the Aquatic Center at the Co-Rec almost every week with a friend.

Why did you choose Purdue?

I chose Purdue originally for my undergrad because it was the university that had the cheapest tuition among all the five universities I was admitted to. I didn’t know too much about Purdue until after school started. I’m hoping to do my bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees all at Purdue because I very much enjoy the fall color on campus, and especially the welcoming environment for international students.

Why did you choose IE?

I chose IE originally because I was an undergraduate researcher for a year when I was a Krannert undergrad. Because I enjoyed doing research more than my internships, I decided to pursue graduate school for more research opportunities and chances to explore my interests. I also wanted a chance to see if a career in academia would be an interest to me, so that encouraged me to pursue an MS Thesis first at IE.

What is a challenge you are proud to have overcome in your life?

I had a few traumatic experiences in the past, and there was a time I almost lost my language ability. However, this is my 6^th year at Purdue, and I’ve been studying, working, researching, and writing using English as technically my third language.

Who has been the most influential on your academic success? (Family members, friends, faculty, mentors, etc.)

I recognize the importance of having good influences, and there’ve been many individuals who have helped and encouraged me throughout my academic pursuit at Purdue. First and foremost, my parents have been supportive in many ways to me, and I’m thankful that they’re encouraged by my personal and professional growth these years studying abroad.

Additionally, I would like to recognize my MS thesis advisor Prof. Zachary Hass for his excellent mentorship. I’m thankful that he’s been patiently guiding me through my research and helping me with my Ph.D. application, and he has been a constant inspiration to me on how to be a servant leader. I also want to recognize my boss at EURO Office, Prof. John Howarter from the MSE & EEE departments, who has been an encouragement to my professional growth. He’s also been helping me with my Ph.D. application and several other things. I appreciate his willingness to help students when they go through challenges in school.

Advice to your younger self/advice to incoming grad students?

Brian Tracy wrote in The 100 Unbreakable Laws of Business Success that “Your rewards in life will be in direct proportion to the value of your service to others.”

I believe that the most fulfilling life someone can have is to live to fulfill the needs of others, not the desires of oneself. I want to use this quote from Brian Tracy to encourage all incoming grad students to make a goal to provide service to others, whether it’s building someone else up in professional growth or it’s being on the frontline for the pressing needs of the world.

Plans?

I’ve enjoyed getting to know students and helping them with their professional development, and I desire to be a part of the mission to educate and equip the next generation to be in various engineering disciplines and professions, so I’m hoping to get in to the Ph.D. program in Engineering Education at Purdue in Fall 2023! Through the program, I hope to be more trained in research, teaching, and mentoring. After I graduate with my Ph.D., I hope to become a professor or a leader in an academic or non-profit organization.