The Biotechnology and Business program has provided me with exposure to a holistic learning experience that combines both biotechnology technical knowledge and business soft skills. In the program, I have been engaging in seminars and outreach activities, which provided me with relevant industry knowledge and insights on current trends in biotechnology.
On top of academic studies, the staffs in SCI/HOME are very supportive in giving advice in personal development and career planning. Through a variety of learning trips and social service opportunities, I have been able to be exposed to what is happening in society, reflect on myself and gain insights on resolving social problems. I am really glad to learn and grow under the environment where I am able to position myself, find my life values and pursue all-rounded personal development.
As a person who is passionate about physics, learning physics at HKUST is very enjoyable. At HKUST, I meet a lot of talented schoolmates and seniors who have a strong passion for scientific research. It is very inspiring to discuss academics and career paths with them. I have participated in the UROP, which provides me a taste of doing research. The guided research courses for IRE students also provide me a valuable opportunity to know more about the professors and their research interests.
Apart from studying, I also join different extra-curriculum activities. For example, I engaged as peer mentor of School of Science last year. In this program, I met some funny group members and mentees that improve my soft skills and expand my social network.
Studying Physics in the International Research Enrichment (IRE) program, I am particularly fascinated by high-energy physics and hope to do scientific research in this field. The IRE program serves as a hub for research-minded students in the School of Science, where we are given guidance and resources to explore our interests. For example, the IRE-specific “Guided Study on Research” courses let us examine various topics in real-world research under the direct supervision of professors. Moreover, the school-sponsored overseas summer research is especially rewarding, as we get to immerse in the academic culture of a foreign institution and work with renowned faculty worldwide.
I have undertaken a project in the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP), in which I learned firsthand about motivations and techniques in research. I even had the opportunity of traveling to a conference at Nanyang Technological University to present our team’s findings and hear about others’ discoveries. HKUST has a strong research environment and the IRE program augments this experience for science students.