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Graduates Interview: Yang Mu

PostTime:5/31/2023

This summer, the Class of 2023 will graduate from Guangdong Technion – Israel Institute of Technology (GTIIT). They have big dreams and thirst for knowledge; they keep their eyes on the stars, but feet on the ground. The young "Aspirants" grow from GTIIT to a wider world. Let's follow the interview series of the graduates from the Class of 2023 to know their stories.


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Yang Mu


High School: Shantou Chaoyang Experimental School

Program: Materials Science and Engineering

Awards: GTIIT Vice Chancellor's List (2019-2022), GTIIT Dean's List (2023)

Offers: ETH Zurich, Delft University of Technology


"In April this year, I received an email from ETH Zurich when I was travelling. My heart was in my mouth for a few seconds as the page loaded, until I learned I had been accepted." In the past four years, Yang Mu has broken through himself and become an "all-around player" engaged in academic exchanges, activity hosting and drama performances.


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Yang Mu (left 2) with his friends


Find the light at GTIIT

For Yang Mu, the priority is not the university ranking, but learning knowledge and live a fulfilling life in the university. Four years ago, he chose GTIIT because of its high investment in experimental equipment and the recommendation of his seniors. "I'm thankful for that choice."


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Yang Mu (right) with Dr. Constance Van Horne


"I never imagined that teachers at GTIIT could be so approachable and friendly!" Before coming to GTIIT, Yang Mu had never communicated with foreigners. "I remember the first class of the preparatory semester was Connie's English class. When I answered the question, I was so nervous that I replied 'Yes, sir'. I was very embarrassed and worried that she may be upset. However, Connie pretended to be very angry and ran after me with a smile, holding up a book, which relieved my embarrassment. From then on, she often interacted with me in class, which opened the first lock for me to break through myself."


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Yang Mu further elaborates on how he has discussed with his teachers until midnight, and shared thoughts with the teachers and seniors of the research group freely. It's been an eye-opener to witness the close relationship between teachers and students and the openness of the academic atmosphere. "I really encourage the juniors to talk to teachers. It will bring fresh ideas to make a difference to their learning experience!"


Chase the light in research

In his eyes, materials science and engineering is a program with a strong sense of mission and a wide range of applications to contribute to the development of science and technology.


Yang Mu said that going from high school to university is a process of shifting from passive learning to active learning. "Studying at GTIIT didn't get easier, but I was motivated to learn what I was interested in."


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"It's nice to be in the lab, not boring at all." As an undergraduate, he joined the research group of Aleksandra Baron-Wiechec, Associate Professor from Materials Science and Engineering Program of GTIIT. "We often need to cut samples to TEM for testing. The samples are required to be cut to the nanometer level, so we learn how to use the instrument most of the time. Aleks is very careful. She teaches us step by step, showing us how to do and guiding us to think about what to do next."


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Yang Mu (left 2) with Prof. Aleksandra


Students can enjoy abundant resources and opportunities in this cosmopolitan university. "When we were conducting ion beam analysis, Aleks offered us the opportunity to study and experiment at the Sorbonne University in France. This trip not only brought back experimental data, but also gave me the opportunity to communicate and learn from professors there, which was very valuable."


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Yang Mu studied in France


Be the light in my life

After studying at GTIIT, Yang Mu found that students were encouraged to ask questions in every class. He still remembers the first time he asked a question in class. "I was afraid to ask questions at first, for fear that they were too simple and would make it like I did not listen carefully. When I plucked up the courage to raise my hand, the professor said that I asked a very good question. I suddenly felt like I was moving things along in class. It feels great!" From then on, asking questions became the norm for him. The more he asked, the more confident he became and the better he understood the knowledge.


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"How about doing something new in the university?" As a photography enthusiast, Yang Mu used to record moments on stage in the past. In GTIIT, he hopes to experience the feeling of "role reversal" and try to show himself bravely on the stage. Therefore, he joined the drama group of the English Club in his freshman year. In two years, he performed four dramas, presided over the Dubbing Contest and the Start-up Challenge Competition, and discovered his potential on the stage.


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Yang Mu was delighted to find that in the past four years, he gradually stepped out of his comfort zone and felt the joy of taking on challenges. Moreover, he found him make great progress in English. "The best way to learn a language is to use it. In the English-medium environment and academic exchange of GTIIT, my English skills have improved tremendously. I may not understand half of what the teacher said at the parents’ meeting when I first came to GTIIT; yet now I can listen and take notes while thinking at the same time. Even when I went to France, I was complimented by professors on my spoken English."


With his solid professional foundation, excellent English skills and rich scientific research experience, Yang Mu has successfully received the admission letter from ETH Zurich for a master's degree, and will go to Switzerland this September to study in the field of materials science. May he have stars in his eyes and strive to be the "responsible and reliable adult" in his heart.


Text/Photos: Yang Mu, GTIIT News & Public Affairs


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