In 2026, the sixth cohort of undergraduate graduates from Guangdong Technion – Israel Institute of Technology (GTIIT) is ready to set sail. Armed with the knowledge and courage bestowed by their alma mater, and guided by the belief of "Dream it. Do it.", they have etched their youth in constant exploration and breakthrough. Let us step into their stories, and witness how they take action as wings to wider skies.

Name: Chen Junwei

Program: Mechanical Engineering (Robotics)

High School：Guangzhou No.5 Middle School

Offers：

Johns Hopkins University Electrical and Computer Engineering

Johns Hopkins University Mechanical Engineering

National University of Singapore Biomedical Engineering

National University of Singapore Materials Science and Engineering

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Robotic

New York University Robotic

University of Michigan at Ann Arbor Automotive

National University of Singapore, Johns Hopkins University, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, New York University, University of Michigan at Ann Arbor... In the application season, Chen Junwei received offers from many famous universities around the world. With four years of research experience at GTIIT, he not only did well in his major but also got accepted into programs in other fields like biomedical engineering and new materials. Mentioning this, he said: "Don't limit yourself. Be brave and give it a try. Your experience is more useful than you think."

A Perfect Match with GTIIT

With his father's recommendation, Junwei noticed GTIIT when he was in high school. "After learning more about it, I was attracted by Technion's academic atmosphere and strong engineering education." Junwei said he always wanted a place that combines international views with intense academic training, and GTIIT was a perfect fit. "GTIIT is not only a young and energetic university, but also a big stage where I can challenge myself and explore different cultures." With hope for the future, Junwei joined GTIIT.

Unlike high schools where teachers push you to study, universities focus on active learning. When he first came to GTIIT, Junwei felt lost and didn’t get good grades. Luckily, GTIIT's grading system gives students enough room to grow and make mistakes. "Grades at GTIIT come from many parts—midterms, homework, group presentations, and finals. It’s not a one-exam-decides-all test, but more like a long-term marathon."

This system gave Junwei a chance to adjust his learning. He began to plan his own study schedule proactively. When he had questions, he actively booked professors' office hours. Even if the questions were basic, he would get to the bottom of them. "Professors never mind us asking questions. What matters is the courage to speak up and the willingness to seek knowledge."

Through repeatedly asking questions, looking up materials by himself, and group discussions, Junwei not only caught up on what he had missed and raised his average score by dozens of points, but also adapted to GTIIT's high-intensity, high-independence academic rhythm, which built a solid foundation for his research in labs.

Passion in Scientific Research

As a sports enthusiast who often got injured, Junwei deeply felt the importance of professional rehabilitation. He was also impressed by the advanced sports rehabilitation technology in the United States. This inspired him to develop rehabilitation medical equipment. What he learned on campus, Mechanical engineering and robotics, became the bridge connecting engineering technology with medical health and planted the first seed for his cross-field exploration.

In the second semester of his second year, Junwei joined Prof. Damiano Padovani's research group and worked on excavator hydraulics. "I improved my modeling and simulation abilities from it. It truly opened the door to a wider research world for me."

The key turning point came in the summer of his second year. After joining Prof. Liu Mingyi's research group, he was systematically introduced to the fundamentals of reinforcement learning and machine learning and developed a strong interest in the intersection of hardware and machine learning. This experience let him jump out of the boundaries of traditional machinery and see a broader research world. In his third year, he joined Porf. Wang Zhujiang's research group, focusing on biaxial stretching and using DIC technology to complete accurate data analysis through before-and-after stretching photos. These three progressively deepening research experiences clearly defined his future direction.

Good teachers and friends were his great support. Over the summer research, graduate seniors in his group mentored him in algorithms, exposed him to the latest advances, and offered knowledge beyond the classroom. GTIIT's training model where undergraduates can deeply participate in research groups breaks the barriers between undergraduate and graduate, giving students enough time to explore and find what they truly love. "Knowing what I wanted, besides classroom learning, I also actively contacted students outside GTIIT and obtained high-quality course materials from abroad through the internet." The independent learning skills he developed at GTIIT turned Junwei into a sponge, constantly absorbing knowledge from other channels.

Besides, Junwei kept his love for sports just like in high school. From GTIIT basketball and soccer teams to off-campus rugby team, and then to Shantou Marathon, he built teamwork ability in sweat. As the leader of basketball club, he organized games and activities many times, and participated in peer mentor program and recruitment. "Besides academic work, one should explore more of the world's beauty, find what you truly love, and embrace new things." Whether inside or outside class, Junwei always stays true to himself.

Break Limits and Harvest Success

At the beginning of the application season, Junwei fell into anxiety. "I majored in mechanical engineering. Does that mean I have to continue with it? But my interest isn't traditional machinery. Is it hard to cross over into another field？" However, four years of rich research experience quickly dragged him out of this mindset. "Mechanical engineering is actually a very flexible major. It contains robotics, biomedicals, and it can even extend to new materials." Junwei quickly realized that he needed to broaden his horizons and, like his mentors, be bold enough to explore across fields.

He put aside his worries and applied in seven different directions. He admitted that his grades at GTIIT were not top-level, but four years of research experience, all-English learning background, and strong comprehensive abilities became his brightest "bonus points". In the end, dozens of top universities sent him offers. The cross-field admission results were the best affirmation of his diverse exploration.

Looking back, Junwei believes that clear future planning was the key to success. "What suits you is the most important." He said, “scientific research suits those who want to go deep for PhD; while the master's stage offers more flexibility and fits wider fields. Neither is better. It only depends on whether it fits your career plan. When choosing universities, don't just look at fame. More importantly, see if the direction and advisor match. First, clarify your interests and plans, then choose schools and programs. This is more rational.”

From a confused freshman to an outstanding graduate receiving offers from global famous universities, Junwei's four years at GTIIT was the most vivid interpretation of GTIIT's "Dream it. Do it." motto. Now, he will set out from this campus and fly higher, continuing to write his own youth chapter in the field he loves.

Text/Photos: GTIIT News & Public Affairs, Chen Junwei