After completing four years of undergraduate studies, Rao Xinqiang, a student from Class of 2023 majoring in Materials Science and Engineering Program at Guangdong Technion - Israel Institute of Technology (GTIIT), chose to stay in the university as a research assistant, which is known as "gap year". This year, he anchored his interest in research through exploration and ran for his love at his own pace. After being admitted to Georgia Institute of Technology as a bachelor-straight-to-doctorate student with full scholarship, he will start a brand-new dream journey in the world of materials.

High School: Yuhuai High School, Shantou

Program: Materials Science and Engineering (MSE)

Awards: GTIIT Academic Excellent Scholarship, GTIIT Dean's List, First Place in the 2023 GTIIT Top Ten Singer Competition

Offers: Georgia Institute of Technology (PhD full scholarship), University of California, San Diego

Breakthrough and accumulation at GTIIT

For Xinqiang, communicating with professors in English was a challenge during his early days at GTIIT. Many courses required presentations in English, and he found this was the fastest way to improve his spoken English. "I have to think about how to speak off the cuff, how to express myself in my own words, so before each speech, I would outline my points and go through them in English in my mind." Through such training, he gradually overcame the difficulties of spoken English and became more confident in it. "In fact, the professors don't care much about your English expression, but they care more about whether you are willing to discuss with them."

Xinqiang said that the professors at GTIIT encourage students to ask questions, and he gradually realized the good intentions behind it. "Having questions indicates that I am actively thinking, and asking questions is about transforming the knowledge learned into my own understanding. Over time, I became more proactive, rather than just being there waiting for questions."

GTIIT witnessed Xinqiang's growth of breakthrough and accumulation. Over the past four years, he has steadily improved his grades. On the way forward, he sometimes felt lost for unseen results. "Soon I realized that's because it's not harvest time yet."

In addition to his studies, Xinqiang was active in a variety of activities on campus. As the secretary general of GTIIT Association of Commercial Entrepreneur, he participated in organizing the first two Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competitions in the university. In the X-culture project, his team won the Best Team Award. Shining with his singing on stage, he won first place in the 2023 GTIIT Top Ten Singer Competition. At the international academic conferences, he shared his research and exchanged ideas with experts from academia and industry... He gained a rich and fulfilling university experience with the spirit of "dream it, do it.".

Refresh the knowledge of MSE and enjoy it

At the beginning, Xinqiang and his classmates often jokingly referred to MSE as "blacksmithing", regarding it as a discipline that focused on material preparation and processing techniques. However, four years of study at GTIIT continuously refreshed his understanding of this discipline. "Materials Science emphasizes interdisciplinary intersection, encompassing not only fundamental sciences such as physics, chemistry, and metallurgy, but also various applied fields such as semiconductors, energy, biomedical, and environmental protection. Through the learning, I truly perceived its charm. Everything visible and touchable in our daily lives has a connection with materials science. I no longer viewed it as a 'niche area' that people usually were unwilling to choose to pursue."

Xinqiang (right 2) with his friends

Fundamental science and engineering programs are tightly connected with experiments. In the summer of his sophomore year, Xinqiang participated in the research on "atomic layer deposition treatment of supercapacitor electrodes" in Prof. Daniel Tan's research group of GTIIT MSE Department. The world-class laboratory facilities and abundant scientific research resources at the university once again broadened his horizons. Here, he learned from designing experiments to specific operations, from data collection to problem analysis. He accumulated rich research experience and began to embrace the beauty of scientific research.

Regarding the scientific research environment at the university, Xinqiang mentioned that many classmates who pursued graduate studies abroad reminded him to cherish the opportunity of scientific research output at GTIIT. "Facilities and academic environment play a vital role in research. The equipment conditions at GTIIT are top-notch. In many other universities, it takes a long time to schedule the use of a single instrument, but at GTIIT, you can quickly get it done, which will effectively advance your project."

Slow down to go further

The joy of scientific research did not immediately lead Xinqiang to a definitive career path. After graduating from his undergraduate studies, he decided to take a gap year, continuing to work as a research assistant at GTIIT to gain more research experience. He saw this as an opportunity to assess whether he truly enjoyed and was suited for a career in research.

Being a research assistant allowed Xinqiang to grow more quickly with more challenges ahead. During the gap year, he started conducting experiments independently, identifying issues and optimizing procedures during experiments, and enhancing data analysis skills. He was more accustomed to using existing literature to explain experimental phenomena and derive inspiration from it. Moreover, he published a paper on lithium metal batteries in the Journal of Power Source as the co-first author. "I prefer the atmosphere of research, enjoying contemplating solutions in a quiet environment. When conducting research, my thoughts become clearer, and I can learn something new each time. That makes me happy. I am sure that I want to pursue a career in research."

paper published by Xinqiang

The open and inclusive learning environment at GTIIT allowed Xinqiang to explore his interests and provided him with ample time to make careful decisions about his future. "I didn't feel anxious during the gap year. Anxiety often stems from confusion and lack of direction. During my time as a research assistant, the lab work and preparation of my application made me feel like every day was a step towards my goal."

Xinqiang was overjoyed upon receiving an offer from the Georgia Institute of Technology. It's never easy to be admitted to a direct Ph.D. program in the United States. "I believe my research experience and the international reputation of the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology were significant advantages. High GPA can only serve as an entry-level 'ticket'. Applying for a direct Ph.D. involves competing with undergraduate and master's students from around the world, so the university you come from, and the research experiences you possess are crucial."

Suggestions from Xinqiang

At GTIIT, discussing with teachers and classmates more often is the key to personal progress. When facing difficulties in learning, don't hesitate to communicate with professors. They will generously offer their unique insights, and sometimes several sentences from them can inspire you greatly.

Each GT student has qualities worth learning from. You can seek like-minded study partners and work towards your respective goals.

In addition to studying, it's important to ask yourself what you are suited for. The earlier you figure this out, the clearer your direction and positioning will be when applying for graduate programs.

Text/Photos: GTIIT News & Public Affairs, Rao Xinqiang