Time flies and the second cohort of students are going to graduate from Guangdong Technion - Israel Institute of Technology (GTIIT) this year. We will present a series of interviews with the graduates from the Class of 2022, to show their stories at GTIIT in the past four years.

Here is the story of Su Xinlian, a student of the Class of 2022 from Materials Science and Engineering Program.

High School: Shantou Jinshan High School

Program: Materials Science and Engineering

Awards: GTIIT Chancellor's Scholarship (2018-2021)

Received offers from:

University College London (Mphil/PhD)

Imperial College London

National University of Singapore

Nanyang Technological University

The University of Manchester

KTH Royal Institute of Technology

Washington University in St. Louis

For Su Xinlian, scientific research and basketball are the two main focuses of his university life. He enjoys learning in the laboratory and playing basketball on the court; both activities lift his spirits.

Be hopeful to meet the surprises

In the preparatory semester, the lively classes left a deep impression on Xinlian. "The teacher used two basketballs and a tennis ball to demonstrate momentum on the stage in Physics class. I still have the video of this practice on my phone. It was totally different from what I expected in the university class, and it was then that made me realize how special GTIIT was."

With a good state of mind, Xinlian felt carefree in the four years. "When I didn't perform well or was under pressure in exams, I had many ways to relieve stress, and playing basketball is one of them. Besides, people's potential and ability to withstand stress can be enhanced through experience, so I feel less frustrated."

Xinlian in the military training 

"The amazing university life is the biggest harvest of my four years!" In Xinlian's eyes, GTIIT was a place that brings endless possibilities to students, leaving him with many wonderful memories. "For me, university life is much more than just studying. I made friends and chat about life in my spare time. During the holiday, I traveled to many places to relax and expand my horizon. I got involved in lots of activities, joined the research group to participate in scientific research, and met good teachers and friends."

Teacher guides his way to scientific research

During the undergraduate period, Xinlian joined the research group of Prof. Huang Kai from GTIIT Chemistry Program, and used density functional theory to study the oxidation reaction of carbon monoxide on the surface of anion-doped copper oxide. "This experience was definitely a huge gain for me and had a great impact on my growth."

This research requires computations at supercomputing centers using computational simulation software packages, and various training and learning processes are required before the operator is capable of conducting independent research. "When I started, Prof. Huang Kai taught me step by step with many straightforward cases, from cell construction, structure optimization to electronic structure calculation, and taught us how to do computational research in every group meeting."

"How are you doing?" was one of the most common words Xinlian heard from his teacher. "Prof. Huang Kai takes care of all the students in our research group in every way, from scientific research, study, course selection, homework, food in the cafeteria, to university application and life planning, he cares and teaches us in every detail like my parent." In Xinlian's eyes, Prof. Huang Kai is the starlight on his way to scientific research, stimulating his curiosity to explore scientific problems and training his ability to engage in research. Whenever he finds something new or meets with doubts and bottlenecks, discussing with Prof. Huang Kai can always open up new ideas for him to help him continue the research and solve problems independently.

Xinlian always appreciates the harmonious atmosphere of the research group and the selfless teammates. "During this Spring Festival, I was going to have interviews on the second and fourth days of the Lunar New Year. Although I have made many presentations during my four years at GTIIT, I have never made such a formal academic report. I still remember Prof. Huang Kai and the seniors guided me through a few mock interviews, from how to do an academic PPT to how to talk about my own research content."

Xinlian (right 4) with the research group members

After receiving offers from seven world-renowned universities, including the University of Manchester, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Imperial College London, and the National University of Singapore, Xinlian finally decided to pursue a PhD in Chemical Engineering at University College London, where he will conduct research on surface catalysis by X-ray absorption and emission spectroscopy.

A boy loves basketball

When he was at GTIIT, Xinlian took an active part in the Student Association, basketball club, X-culture club, the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fair and other activities, but it was the experience in the basketball team that impressed him the most.

Xinlian loves sports and was a member of the school basketball team since junior high school. After coming to GTIIT, the professional basketball training still shocked him. "When I was a freshman, we represented GTIIT in the Guangdong Provincial College Basketball League in Guangzhou. At that time, there were only two months before the competition, and the team had just been established, so it was very important for us to get ready in such a short period. There would definitely be players throwing up because of the heavy training, and we always came back and practiced again."

Xinlian cherished the great memories of the training and the time with his teammates. "In the first semester of my freshman year, I had most classes at eight in the morning every day. The intense training in the evening and busy preparation made me physically and mentally tired. It was difficult for us to get up early for classes and to train." However, the strict training made Xinlian realize the difference between professional basketball training and playing basketball. It also benefited him a lot in building up his perseverance.

Xinlian (left 3 in the front row) with the basketball team members

Text: GTIIT News & Public Affairs

Photos: Su Xinlian, GTIIT News & Public Affairs