Teachers are like the lighthouse, enlightening all succeeding generations. They devote themselves to teaching and research, winning many students' respect and love.

The series of interviews with teachers will share their insights on education so that more people can get close to GTIIT's classes and teachers and know about its characteristics and educational philosophy.

Prof. Zhong Ziyi

GTIIT Chemical Engineering Program 

On the list of the World's Top 2% Scientists 2022 released by Stanford University, Prof. Zhong Ziyi from GTIIT Chemical Engineering Program (CE) was named on the list of the "Career-Long Impact List" and the "Single-Year Impact List"(2022). Before joining GTIIT, he had 21 years of scientific research experience in the United States, Israel, Singapore, etc. At GTIIT, he has transformed from a scientific talent to a respected professor in the eyes of students. Which profession is more difficult and challenging, being a scientific researcher or a teacher? Let's walk into the story of Prof. Zhong and GTIIT.

Respect the role as a teacher

Prof. Zhong taught Introduction to Chemistry and Biochemistry Reactors' Design, the main course of Chemical Engineering Program. In his eyes, "How to be a qualified teacher" was his long-term "research topic". By distilling his 20-year research experience into teaching, he provides students essential and meaningful learning materials, including a combination of basic knowledge and the literature, as well as examples demonstrating how the knowledge could be applied, how far this field had developed, and what breakthroughs could be made. In Prof. Zhong's class, students not only gain knowledge from textbooks, but also explore the forefront of academia and industry.

As a teacher, Prof. Zhong has taken on a new responsibility. "To learn and to teach are different, not to mention teaching in a clear, logical and interesting manner in class. I can immerse myself in research, but as a teacher, I have to impart what I know to the students and pique their interest. That is the biggest difference between research and teaching." Prof. Zhong said that being a teacher took more time, but seeing students do learn something gave him a great sense of accomplishment.

In class, he is a guide to enlighten the students; after class, he spares no effort to pave the way for them. "I worked as an Academic Consultant for three years, talking with weak students one-on-one and tailoring class schedules to them. It takes at least one hour to make a class schedule. I check what they are not learning well, find out why they are struggling, and give my advice to help." During the application season, Prof. Zhong wrote letters of recommendation for many senior students. "If students have the opportunity to study in a famous university, it will be a good start for their future, and I'm happy to help in any way I can."

Prof. Zhong taught his students that "scientific research doesn't mean quick success, it should allow failure". "I told the students in my group that there was no need to put any pressure on them because it was more important to broaden their horizons by participating in research during their undergraduate years. If it comes out well, it's icing on the cake. It doesn't matter if you find nothing. I support students to study with different teachers, because exposure to knowledge from various directions is very helpful for students in making future careers or research decisions."

Start with interest, fulfill with pursuit

The seed of Prof. Zhong's scientific research was planted in his graduation. However, he acknowledged that, like many students, he struggled with deciding on a research area.

Before joining in GTIIT, Prof. Zhong presided over and participated in a number of industrial research projects related to materials science, wastewater treatment and pharmaceuticals. "I studied catalysis for my undergraduate thesis, but very few of the projects I worked on while I was a postdoctor fellow were related to this direction. Instead, I was exposed to other parts of this area. If I hadn't had that experience, I might not be as familiar with materials studies as I am now." Prof. Zhong believes that doing research doesn't mean to limit one's direction. You can learn as much as you can, but try to find your expertise and delve into it.

"I know people in China are worried that it is difficult for CE students to find jobs, but in fact, in foreign countries, such as the United States and Singapore, CE graduates have excellent employment and salary levels. Students have a wide range of options because chemical engineering is widely used in petrochemical, pharmaceutical, semiconductor and other industries." According to Prof. Zhong, the curriculum of GTIIT Chemical Engineering Program covered physics, materials, etc., and used the same textbooks as many famous foreign universities. Professors at GTIIT had their own areas of expertise and can help students in different directions. "Students don't need to worry. If they can lay a solid foundation at GTIIT, they won't have problems studying in top universities worldwide."

"Science needs inspiration. If you don't have inspiration, or when you see something but find nothing, it is a problem. When I was in university, I often went to lectures on various topics. I'm a 'layman' in many fields, but it is interesting to learn something new." In his spare time, Prof. Zhong likes reading, listening to music, doing yoga, and climbing mountains. While feeling the beauty of nature, he also sets his sight on environmental protection.

Prof. Zhong set up the "Green Catalysis and Energy Lab" at GTIIT, engaging in the research of heterogeneous catalysis, clean energy and energy storage materials, wastewater treatment and surface chemistry. "I hope to develop some new catalysts and new processes based on the original technology. Through the catalytic conversion of carbon dioxide and the catalytic oxidation of formaldehyde, the conversion efficiency of fossil fuels will be higher, the conditions will be milder, carbon emissions and pollution will be reduced. This can even turn polluted waste into something of value. It would greatly improve the environment."

Teacher's Message: 

I hope the students can dabble in a wide range of knowledge in different fields in their daily life, and be an interesting person.

Text/Photos: GTIIT News & Public Affairs