The first cohort students will graduate from Guangdong Technion - Israel Institute of Technology this year. The series of interviews with the graduates from Class of 2021 will show their stories with GTIIT in the past four years. Here is the story about Lei Li, a student of Class of 2021 from Materials Science and Engineering Program.

Name: Lei Li

High School: Guangzhou No.2 High School

Program: Materials Science and Engineering

Received offers from: Columbia University; Cornell University; University of California, Berkeley; 

University of California, Los Angeles; University of Pennsylvania; Carnegie Mellon University, etc.

Once setting the goal, Lei Li will go ahead and do his best. "Busy" is the summary of his university life, but he is busy in order. He keeps his pace, starting at GTIIT and moving on to a brighter future.

Interests can be developed slowly

Lei Li originally planned to study abroad directly after the College Entrance Examination. However, due to the change of the plan, he decided to complete his undergraduate study in a domestic university specializing in science and technology, so as to lay a solid foundation for his future study abroad for master's degree. "I learned that GTIIT is the China campus of the Technion, a world-renowned science and technology university. The teaching standard of GTIIT fully follows the requirements of the Technion. The strong scientific research atmosphere is also very attractive to me. I think studying at GTIIT will help me adapt to the foreign teaching mode in advance and provide a better platform for me to apply for a postgraduate university."

Lei Li admits that his interest in materials science is not from the very beginning, but gradually developed during the four years' study. "I remember when I was choosing the undergraduate program, my parents asked me if I was sure I liked materials science and engineering, and I couldn't give an affirmative answer. At first, 'materials science' was just a noun for me, it didn't have any special meaning. However, the more I learn, the more I have realized how interesting the program is and the world has become more interesting." He said that after four years' study, he developed the habit of looking at the world from the perspective of material science. He finds that his professional knowledge is closely related to daily life, and the principles behind many familiar phenomena are often thought-provoking.

Since the second semester of his sophomore year, Lei Li has joined Prof. Daniel Tan's research group, engaging in the research of nano dielectric and polymer composite. Looking back on the two years of training, he feels that he has gained a lot. "In terms of experimental skills, I can do nothing at the beginning. I even need to spend a week making a membrane. Now I can complete a lot of tests independently, and even repair the instrument by myself. What's more, I can only repeat the experiments of others at first, and now I gradually have my own ideas. This experience also made me realize the importance of teamwork. Everyone in the team has his or her own strengths. Only by working together can the project proceed smoothly. In the past two years, I think my scientific research ability has been greatly improved, which lays a good foundation for my postgraduate study."

Prof. Daniel Tan spoke highly of Lei Li's outstanding performance in scientific research. “Lei Li got involved in research projects actively and quickly became one of the best students. I appreciate his critical thinking, teamwork spirit and learning abilities. Besides that, his diligence and kindness also leave a deep impression on me. I firmly believe that he will achieve self-transcendence in his future professional field and quickly become the top candidate in any program.”

Find the right direction and move forward firmly

Lei Li heard some negative voices about Materials Science and Engineering Program. "My opinion is that if you want to do scientific research or even become a scientist, you can ignore these negative voices. Just keep your mind on what you want to achieve and focus on it."

In the first semester of his junior year, he became interested in optics after having the course Molecular Spectroscopy, so he took elective courses on semiconductors and packaging in the second semester of his junior year. "The engineers share with us the interesting knowledge of this field from the perspective of industry. After taking these courses, I basically decided that I wanted to further explore semiconductor and optics in my postgraduate study."

Lei Li believes that finding the direction you like is one of the most difficult but important things. "Our curriculum gives us plenty of opportunities to learn about different things of our program, but it is difficult to choose one specific direction between them. At that time, I talked with the professors and listened to their opinions, and also attended several academic lectures before I roughly clarified my own ideas." During the four years at GTIIT, Lei Li deeply realizes that university is different from high school. “You must make every effort to achieve your goal after finding what you are interested in and follow the right direction.”

After receiving the offers from ten famous universities overseas, namely Columbia University; Cornell University; University of California, Berkeley; University of California, Los Angeles; University of Pennsylvania; Carnegie Mellon University, etc., Lei Li decided to go to the University of California, Berkeley to pursue his master's degree following a professor researching in optical and semiconductor.

Be busy in order

Lei Li was twice selected to the Dean's List for his outstanding performance at GTIIT. He says that the word "busy" runs through his four years of study and life in the university. "In addition to the busy class schedule, tons of homework and presentations, I also need to go to the labs. In the past four years, I have no concept of summer and winter holidays. Taking TOEFL and GRE tests and doing scientific research occupied most of my time. Fortunately, it was all worthwhile and rewarding."

Lei Li believes that in the face of study pressure, maintaining a good attitude is particularly important. "I realize that people's energy and time are limited and I may not be able to do the best in many things, but I always keep a good attitude, which I feel is my greatest advantage." He thinks all he can do is to do the best he can within his ability. "You do the best, God do the rest." Lei Li cherishes the precious friendship at GTIIT. "I have met many outstanding friends in the university. I hope we can keep in touch after graduation.”

Lei Li (Right one) with his friends

Text: GTIIT News & Public Affairs

Photos: Lei Li, GTIIT News & Public Affairs