This summer, the Class of 2023 graduated from Guangdong Technion – Israel Institute of Technology (GTIIT). They have big dreams and thirst for knowledge; they keep their eyes on the stars, but feet on the ground. The young "Aspirants" grow from GTIIT to a wider world. Let's follow the interview series of the graduates from the Class of 2023 to know their stories.

Over the course of four years at university, Fu Jiayi, a student of Materials Science and Engineering, progressed from feeling out of place at the start of her studies at GTIIT to being accepted into top universities worldwide based on her exceptional academic performance. Alongside mastering professional skills, Fu pursued her interests and embarked on a journey of self-discovery, which led to impressive achievements through her diligent efforts. Join us as we delve into the inspiring story of Fu Jiayi from the Class of 2023.

FU Jiayi

High School: Zhengzhou Experimental High School

Program: Materials Science and Engineering

Awards: Vice Chancellor's Scholarship (2020/2021/2023), Extra-curricular Scholarship (2020/2022)

Offer: ETH Zurich, Imperial College London

ADJUSTING

In 2023, the third wave of graduates from GTIIT caught the attention of renowned universities worldwide. Among them, Fu Jiayi was one of 12 selected candidates to receive an offer from ETH Zurich, a prestigious institution ranked as one of the top seven universities globally and known for being the alma mater of Albert Einstein.

"I had planned to study abroad, so I was keen to enroll in a Sino-foreign joint university that offers an international outlook,” said Fu. GTIIT's adoption of the "Knowledge Triangle" model from the Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, which prioritizes innovation, research, and education, captivated her. Being a science enthusiast with a curious mind, she chose this young university. Through four years of academic immersion, she developed a deep understanding of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE). "I used to think that MSE was solely about studying material properties, but it is, in fact, a multifaceted discipline that encompasses physics, chemistry, biology, metallurgy, and more."

Fu Jiayi (right)

During the initial phase of her university education, Fu faced a period of adjustment. "I struggled with my first few exams and still remember only scoring 50 on a mid-term math test." While high school education was more structured with teacher supervision, university education requires students to take greater responsibility for their learning and actively seek out knowledge. Fu gradually adapted to GTIIT’s teaching methods and exam schedule, prioritizing revision instead of last-minute cramming before exams. With a combination of effective study habits and hard work, Fu achieved a GPA of over 90, ranking second in the MSE program. Her consistent academic performance not only earned her scholarships but also provided her with a strong advantage when applying for her master's degree.

EXPLORATION

Fu recognizes that experiment is the application of theoretical knowledge gained from textbooks. Through this process, she had the opportunity to evaluate whether the research was a suitable career path, if she could focus on a single topic for an extended period, and to improve her scientific thinking and research skills. Her interest in scientific research was initially sparked by courses on electrochemistry, corrosion and anti-corrosion. Fueled by her passion, during her sophomore summer break, Fu took the initiative to email Aleksandra Baron-Wiechec, an associate professor teaching the course, and joined her research team, where she investigated the application of electrochemical methods to measure the hydrogen concentration and retention in the material over time.

Fu and Aleksandra

Fu’s exploratory spirit remained steadfast. She later joined Associate Professor Xie Zuoti's research team to investigate two-dimensional materials. During the visa application waiting period, she proactively reached out to Associate Professor Wang Yan and joined her team to study flexible wearable devices. The three research experiences exposed Fu to different mentoring styles, provided her with a diverse range of practical experiences, and helped her to clarify her goals and aspirations.

Fu acknowledges that she had many uncertainties about her future until approaching the end of her undergraduate studies. Her initial plan was to take a gap year after graduation, work as a research assistant, and use the time to reflect on her aspirations. "But then I realized that if I couldn't solve a problem that took me more than three years, how could I solve it in just one year?"

As a result, Fu only applied to two universities, ETH Zurich and Imperial College London. "In addition to the university rankings, I paid close attention to the curriculum of the master's programs. ETH Zurich offers a combination of core courses, electives, research projects, and internships, while Imperial College London offers a research-oriented Master of Research (MRes) program with a 7:3 research-to-teaching ratio. Both programs align with my goal of exploring my potential further."

HARVEST

Fu describes her university life as a "go-with-the-flow" state, where she did experience some moments of confusion and hesitation, but also maintained a balanced lifestyle. She enjoys making to-do lists and feels a sense of accomplishment when she ticks all the boxes on her list. Besides her busy academic schedule, she is an enthusiastic and dedicated peer mentor and tutor, helping younger students with academic and personal issues, and organizing ice-breaking activities for freshmen. Fu also loves playing the Guzheng, traveling, and spending time with her friends, creating many happy memories.

Fu organized ice-breaking activities for freshmen

Fu expresses her gratitude to all the teachers she met at GTIIT - the English instructors who encouraged her to overcome her stage fright during presentations; Dr. Reut Bornovski, who patiently answered her questions during office hours for three hours; Dr. Aleksandra Baron-Wiechec, who provided her with step-by-step guidance during experiments; Dr. Wang Yan, who supported her during her AP period…… She also thanks her friends who cheered her up through moments of uncertainty. Reflecting on her four-year undergraduate life, she feels that it was a journey marked by shining stars.

Fu (2nd from left) and her friends

"Per aspera ad astra" is Fu’s motto, and it reflects her four-year journey. Through her own efforts, she has achieved her goal. In the future, she will continue to delve deeper into materials science and engineering at ETH Zurich. "I hope to make breakthroughs, meet more friends and have a rich study experience."

Text/Photos: Fu Jiayi, GTIIT News & Public Affairs