This summer, the Class of 2024 will graduate from Guangdong Technion – Israel Institute of Technology (GTIIT). Despite the COVID-19 Pandemic and the running difficulty of Sino-foreign university co-operation in the year they entered GTIIT, the determined students keep moving forward with the motto of "Dream it, do it". They write one and another encouraging stories upon the path of scientific dreams. Let's follow the interview series of 2024 graduates to uncover more in their pursuit of future.

During the four-year undergraduate study in GTIIT, she participated in diverse research projects involving organic agriculture, environmental science, and virus detection. Outside the classroom, she engaged actively in student activities including the Student Association and "Peer Mentor" program and explored the wonders of nature and biology through hiking. This is her, Xing Jiani, a GTIIT Biotechnology and Food Engineering (BFE) graduate. From binge-watching the medical drama "Grey's Anatomy" in high school, to being accepted into several prestigious universities for biomedical master's programs, she has taken a step closer to the dream of being "Grey".

A diligent, thoughtful, and brave explorer

Partially inspired by the widespread American TV series "Grey's Anatomy", Jiani developed strong interest in biology during high school. In the summer of 2020, Jiani was admitted to GTIIT's BFE Program, looking forward to achieving her dream with the rich teaching resources and free atmosphere here.

Initially, Jiani met difficulty in English taught courses, but she quickly adjusted her mindset and gradually found ways to get over it during the preparatory semester. By previewing lessons and technical terms, she gradually got used to the English teaching mode here.

Jiani shared, "Learning is a process of accumulating." GTIIT BFE program covers a broad range of subjects and requires a large base of obscure English technical terms, making it quite challenging. However, she believed that difficulties represented opportunities, and would bring progress as long as they were overcome.

Jiani (First from Left) in Lab members

In the second semester, Jiani entered the laboratory to learn basic experimental knowledge. Starting from her sophomore year, she joined different research groups, making full use of GTIIT's resources to freely explore her interest.

In Jiani's first research project, she followed another senior student to explore how to "turn waste into treasure". They used green tea waste as soil amendments for biosolarization and successfully published an academic paper. Later, Jiani began to independently lead a project. She predicted the plastic degradation process and its impact on soil with AI tools. During her junior year in the Weizmann Institute of Science as an exchange student, she developed automatic virus detection technology using cryo-STEM.

GTIIT BFE Program provides students with interdisciplinary knowledge and various projects, allowing them to build a solid foundation while participating in scientific research topics in different directions before finding what they love. Jiani continuously explored her interest with the ample resources at GTIIT and the guidance of professors. Before graduation, she confirmed her passion for biomedicine.

Curiosity Directed to Infinity

Shifting away from the exam-oriented high school study and stepping into university crowded with academic pressure, club activities and hobbies, some students may be confused about their future with the multitude of choices. Jiani also once fell into confusion, questioning her major and even considering whether to transfer to art program.

The way out of the confusion for her was to "do it bravely".

She is always willing to devote time and energy to give it a try whenever facing the unknown. "Curiosity is one of my motivates," said Jiani. Despite a busy academic schedule, she continued to expand her interests. Hiking, joining the Student Association, participating in GTIIT's "Peer Mentor" program to help fresh students, and signing up for international competitions...Jiani involved herself in nearly every aspect of the university.

Jiani in GTIIT Peer Mentor Program

She is grateful for the free and inclusive environment provided by GTIIT, which allows her to keep trying and find her direction. "During college, I always asked others how they found their career direction. I have consulted Dr. Yoav, Dr. Yigal, and even the professors I met in the Weizmann Institute of Science. Finally, I realized that when I search for answers, I get to know myself better. And this is a process of growing," she said.

She shared with the junior students that confusion is not always a bad thing. Instead, it represents more choices and opportunities. "Only by taking the first step can one know whether the direction is right," Jiani said.

Looking back at her four years in GTIIT, what Jiani appreciated most was the teachers providing guidance and encouragement for students' studies and dreams.

When she intended to plan an activity on campus, her mentor helped connect with various departments to implement the plan. When she encountered academic difficulties, the teachers always encouraged her to believe in herself and the power of persistence, helping her regain confidence and achieve good results. When she wanted to make breakthroughs in scientific research, the teacher gave her full respect and professional guidance.

"These professors make me feel that they are not only delivering knowledge but also nurturing us," she added.

Amid the open, inclusive, and innovative GTIIT campus, more and more outstanding graduates like Jiani are free to explore diverse possibilities and get closer to their dreams.

Text/Photos: GTIIT News & Public Affairs, Interviewee