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.

Navigate and Embrace Change

Influenced by his father, Yuanhao developed a strong interest in science and engineering since high school. After the college entrance examination, he and his parents set their sights on the Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, renowned for its technology and entrepreneurship, and home to four Nobel laureates since the 20th century. As the China campus of the Technion, GTIIT focuses on science and engineering disciplines and emphasizes research and innovation, which aligns with his interests. Eventually, Yuanhao decided to major in GTIIT Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) program.

During his first year at GTIIT, Yuanhao found himself more interested in mathematics. In his view, mathematics is closely linked to other subjects as a foundational discipline. GTIIT MCS program's curriculum combines computer science, which can bring more opportunities for his academic and career development. After thorough consideration, he decided to switch to MCS program in his second year.

Transition to the MCS program was initially challenging for Yuanhao due to its rigorous and extensive curriculum. The MCS program was built with the concept of "advanced computer science problems grounded in profound mathematical knowledge". A multitude of abstract and profound definitions made Yuanhao realize that the methods he used to adopt targeting high school mathematics, such as memorization and abundant assignments, didn't work out for university-level math.

"Actually, I am not talented, but I am good at learning from others," Yuanhao said. He adopted a strategy from a classmate, namely, "learn math from understanding". "I spent most of my time understanding the definitions and theorems of each course, rather than on the exercise and assignments. And it works," he shared.

Frequently asking "why" is his biggest gain in GTIIT math learning. "I was inspired by a classmate when I was explaining a math problem to him. He asked me why the step was needed and I couldn't answer it at that time. However, I found his question very meaningful. Just ask more "why" when you learn something," said Yuanhao.

"Why is it defined in this way?" "Why did the author set this condition?" "How can we reach here with this condition?" Facing the complicated concepts and theories in textbooks, he gradually formed a habit of "self-inquiry" instead of simply memorizing. This approach aided in his abilities of in-depth analysis and logical thinking.

Yuanhao (first from the left) in the summer school program

Grow through Thinking and Discussion

Yuanhao believed that GTIIT's MCS program has gathered many like-minded students who enjoy exploring knowledge. Besides, GTIIT's "problem-driven" teaching philosophy has fostered a vibrant academic environment for teachers and students to engage in open discussions freely.

In class, GTIIT teachers guide the students to ask questions, particularly good ones. After class, they provide office hour, ensuring every student has the chance for one-on-one communication. 

Yuanhao (third from the left) with the teachers and classmates of MCS program

Yuanhao recalled, "in class, professors would slow down their pace to ensure we understand what they said and encourage us to voice our doubts. Initially, I was hesitant to speak up during office hour, but the professors remained supportive and patient. They listened to our questions and needs attentively. I can feel that they really enjoy discussing with students."

Immersed in such an international campus, Yuanhao's English ability has been greatly improved, preparing him well for the overseas academic study. Furthermore, he gradually mastered the learning methods of university mathematics and delved into advanced mathematics courses under the guidance of professors. His aspirations now lean towards further studies in applied mathematics, such as data science and statistics. In his view, graduates of these programs are welcomed by both academia and industry, and they usually enjoy promising career prospects.

Yuanhao was nervous when applying for postgraduate studies. As one of the first graduates in GTIIT MCS program, the process was like "crossing the river by feeling the stones". To his surprise, GTIIT's reputation as the China campus of the Technion was outstanding. "Although GTIIT is a young university, we have benefited from the strong alumni network of Technion. For example, many faculty and students at UCSB (one of his offers) are Technion alumni, and they highly recognize GTIIT's talent training and academic standards," Yuanhao explained.

Yuanhao was also surprised to find that half of the courses he is about to take in his first year of PHD have already been covered in his undergraduate studies at GTIIT. The once challenging credits now become the stepping stones on his academic path.

Yuanhao also extended his gratitude to GTIIT alumni for their help. Despite the geographical distance and time zone barriers, the alumni from all over the world were "always available" to him. "Our alumni, including Huang Ruixi and Li Yitong, who are pursuing PhD programs respectively at the University of Maryland and Stanford University, shared their experiences and advice with me. Their support also gave me a lot of courage," he shared.

With the assistance of GTIIT professors, alumni, and teachers from the GTIIT Career and Learning Center, Yuanhao successfully navigated his application and interview process, finally receiving offers from several prestigious research universities.

Setting sail from GTIIT, Yuanhao, like many other GTIIT graduates, is heading to his dream step by step.

Text/Photos: GTIIT News & Public Affairs