On the afternoon of 18 October, the “Ao’xiang Youth Role Models” Outstanding Alumni Sharing Session, part of a lecture series hosted by the Student Affairs Office of NPU and organised by QMES, was successfully held in the Lecture Hall on the second floor of East Teaching Building A, Chang’an Campus. The event was attended by Fan Xiaoli, Dean of QMES, Cheng Yin, Deputy Secretary of the QMES Party Committee, Li Wang, British faculty member, Ge Qu, counsellor for the Class of 2024, and Wang Ruixuan, staff member of the Student Affairs Centre. The event featured four outstanding QMES alumni: He Mukun, Zhang Geyang and Wang Yanzhang from the Class of 2021, and Zhang Lin from the Class of 2023. Focusing on four key themes—further academic study, scientific research and innovation, career development, and comprehensive quality—the alumni shared their growth experiences and insights with current students. The session was chaired by Cheng Yin.
At the beginning of the event, Dean Fan Xiaoli delivered a speech and extended a warm welcome to the four distinguished alumni and all attendees. Drawing on vivid examples, she highlighted the significant role that academic planning plays in personal growth. Dean Fan Xiaoli shared her expectations for the students from multiple perspectives, encouraging them to listen attentively to the alumni’s experiences, learn from their valuable insights, and actively reflect on how to strategically plan their own career development paths.
Zhang Lin, a direct PhD student at Peking University, reflected on her journey from undergraduate studies at QMES to her current doctoral studies. She shared how her experience in an all-English learning environment helped her develop cross-cultural communication and academic comprehension skills. She also highlighted the collaboration and problem-solving abilities she honed in competitive teams, as well as the organisational and resource coordination skills gained from her involvement in student clubs. She particularly emphasised the importance of “goal breakdown” and “energy management” in handling the pressures of scientific research. She encouraged younger students to “make the most of this platform, dare to be extraordinary, and stay true to their passion”.
He Mukun, a direct PhD student from the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at NPU, shared her experiences in four areas: ideological development, research objectives, research achievements, and comprehensive abilities. Drawing on her representative research in the field of low-frequency microwave-absorbing composite materials, she encouraged younger students to start from real-world problems and engage in systematic research exploration. She emphasised, “Scientific research requires not only perseverance in overcoming difficulties but also a strong sense of mission to contribute to national strategies.”
Zhang Geyang, drawing from her experiences at Imperial College London and her work at Micron Semiconductor (Xi’an) Co., Ltd., discussed the shift from student to professional role. She emphasised that “professional competence forms the foundation of one’s career” and shared key strategies for career advancement. These included the importance of clear communication to improve efficiency, taking initiative to create value, and striking a work-life balance to sustain well-being. She encouraged attendees to “live life the way they want it to be”.
Wang Yanzhang shared his work experiences at the 11th Research Institute of China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC) and discussed the challenges and achievements encountered during the development of infrared detectors. Using the example of “yield rate issues”, he demonstrated his systematic approach to problem-solving, from task comprehension and issue analysis to effective communication. He also emphasised the importance of teamwork and advocated an attitude that is “as radiant as the sun and as inclusive as the earth”.
During the interactive discussion, students actively asked questions on topics such as career planning, academic research, and studying abroad. Drawing on their own experiences, the four alumni responded to each question with real-life examples and practical advice, providing valuable guidance for the students. Zhang Lin shared her transition from being a “problem-solver” to a “problem-poser” and emphasised that the core value of doctoral study lies in cultivating independent research capabilities and resilience to face challenges. He Mukun highlighted that the driving force behind scientific research is a strong sense of mission that aligns personal research interests with national strategic needs. He also noted that maintaining academic exchanges with supervisors and peers can continuously inspire new ideas in research. From a professional perspective, Zhang Geyang pointed out that clear logical thinking, effective communication skills and rapid learning are essential to managing complex tasks. Drawing on his experience at a research institute, Wang Yanzhang shared strategies for coping with pressure through understanding the essence of each task and practising non-emotional communication. Although the four alumni have followed different paths in their personal growth, they all conveyed a shared life attitude defined by commitment to their passion, self-driven growth, and a down-to-earth approach. This offered profound inspiration to the students in attendance.
The “Ao’xiang Youth Role Models” Outstanding Alumni Sharing Session provided students with valuable guidance on academic planning and career development. It also created a bridge for meaningful interaction between alumni and current students, fostering the sharing of experience. Four alumni shared their personal stories of growth and conveyed the spirit of perseverance with sincerity. Their experiences deeply moved everyone present and greatly motivated them to follow role models and strive courageously towards their dreams.
QMES will continue to invite more outstanding alumni to return to campus, share their experience to inspire insights, and serve as role models to guide students ahead. By doing so, the school aims to help every young student shine through their efforts.
Text: Liang Yimin and Wang Ruixuan
Photo: Liang Yimin
Editors: Luo Zihan and Chen Xinyan
Translator: Fang Jie
Reviewer: Cheng Yin
