This summer, the Class of 2024 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.

Name: Yu Jiaying

High School: Shenzhen Baoan Middle School

Program: Biotechnology and Food Engineering (BFE)

Awards: 

Outstanding Student Cadre of Guangdong Province

The 2023 Chi Forest College Innovation Competition Top 50

Proveg Food Innovation Challenge Top 25

VDS Geek Campus Innovation Competition R&D Track Top 10

GTIIT Academic Excellent Scholarship

GTIIT Vice Chancellor's List

GTIIT Leadership Scholarship

GTIIT Innovation & Entrepreneurship Awards

2nd Place of the 1st GTIIT Industry Research Competition

Offers: 

Wageningen University and Research

ETH Zurich

The University of Hong Kong

Over the four years at university, Jiaying vividly embodied the saying "Interest is the best teacher." In the fertile ground of innovation at GTIIT, she rooted herself firmly downwards with solid professional knowledge and grew upwards with passion. The spirit of "Dream it. Do it." materialized in her—the concepts of innovation and entrepreneurship transformed into practical thinking and actions, bringing her joy and surprises as she engaged with biotechnology and food. Currently, she has gone to Wageningen University and Research for a master's degree in Food Technology Program, and this lively and intelligent girl will create more splendid chapters in the future.

"Learning is a fulfilling endeavor."

The BFE program at GTIIT is a rare interdisciplinary major that combines science and engineering. "Unlike traditional food programs, we not only lay a solid foundation in food analysis and development but also learn a lot about biotechnology. This aligns more with the future trends of the food industry and enriches our knowledge, broadening our potential career paths."

Apart from the "hardcore curriculums" at GTIIT, the "soft power" inside them also adds to Jiaying's skills in learning. She noted that many of GT's courses focus on cultivating students' abilities in teamwork, industry insight, and innovation. "For example, from the first year, we are guided to create academic posters and give presentations on various topics, which helps us integrate and deeply explore into directions that interest us. Through various courses, I further studied technologies in areas I am passionate about, such as plant-based meat, cultured meat, synthetic biology, and advanced fermentation."

Jiaying admitted that her high school grades in math and physics were not good, often hovering around the passing line, but her passion for science and engineering remained undiminished. "Despite much learning pressure at GTIIT, the teachers impart their knowledge without reservation, maintaining close communication with us both in and out of class. It does make me feel that learning is a fulfilling endeavor."

The free learning atmosphere and rigorous teaching system at GTIIT enabled her to not only acquire a comprehensive professional knowledge framework over four years but also learn how to actively explore knowledge. A fulfilling university life also hinges on effective time management. "I usually get my study done during the week and go out for relaxation on weekends. The campus always-open yoga room and gym help me develop a good exercising habit, with 3-4 times work out a week. It's really a good way to ease my mind."

"Pursuing my interests gives me a great sense of accomplishment."

She believed that theoretical knowledge from books is superficial and was eager to gain practical experience outside the classroom. In her first year, she proactively approached Associate Professor Yigal Achmon with the idea of joining his research group. "He enthusiastically introduced the projects his team was working on and even gave me a tour of his lab. Professors here highly value students' personal interests and take them into account when assigning research topics."

During her sophomore summer, Jiaying joined the "Milk Group" to explore the correlation between milk microbes and volatile substances during storage. In her junior year, she moved to the "Tea Residue Group," investigating sustainable utilization and bioactive substances of tea residues. She delved into the research methodologies of food microbiology, food analysis, and sustainable food utilization, gradually discovering her own interests. By her senior year, she initiated her project—exploring bio-enhanced microgreen plants. From discussing experimental designs, conducting experiments independently with her team, to successfully defending her thesis and presenting her research at the 2nd International Symposium on Food and Biotechnology Engineering, Jiaying has steadily advanced in her research journey with growing determination.

"The platform of GTIIT is truly unique," Jiaying recalled her experience at a summer camp for enterprises. "My research experience and knowledge accumulation allowed me to communicate seamlessly with many graduate and doctoral students, and I was even elected as the group leader due to my extensive experience in team project collaboration."

"GTIIT is a vast worldto realize my whimsy."

Jiaying firmly believed that food development should keep pace with market trends. Interested in business, she joined GTIIT Association of Commercial Entrepreneur (ACE) in her first year. By her sophomore year, she became the club president, leading her team to organize several competitions, including the 3rd Start-up Challenge Competition of GTIIT (GTSC). During the preparation, she noticed that while students had plenty of creative ideas, they lacked a bridge to the market. After the competition, she raised this issue with the club's advisor, suggesting that the university host industry research-oriented competitions to better connect theory with practice. Under her suggestion, ACE in collaboration with GTIIT Career & Learning Center, organized an industry research competition during the "Career Exploration Month," which has since become a signature event of the club.

Jiaying hosted the 2nd GTSC

In her spare time, Jiaying actively participated in food-related industry competitions hosted by various companies. She competed confidently with students from other universities, deeply appreciating the specialized courses, group projects, and club activities of GTIIT through these practices.

Reflecting on the past four years, she considered herself fortunate. "I'm lucky to have encountered GTIIT, chosen my favorite field, and steadily improved towards my goals without many struggles. The past four years has been really fulfilling." Looking ahead, she remains steadfast and confident. "Dreams are not just imagination before the age of 18; they are the navigators after 20. Stay true to what's in your heart, believe in yourself, and keep striving bit by bit!"

Suggestions from Jiaying

Life at GTIIT, often referred to as the "Senior Year in high school", actually varies from high school. The academic atmosphere and personal psychological changes in university can significantly alter one's thinking and behavior patterns. However, there's no need to worry or be anxious; trust yourself and GTIIT. This is where future engineers and scientists grow. Don't be too pragmatic about whether what you're studying is considered a 'niche area', nor worry excessively about employment. Make the most of the opportunities provided by GTIIT to enrich yourself. Everything will fall into place.