Chem is try. The IRE program has provided me with plenty of opportunities on trying out what research is like and the freedom in exploring various fields ranging from computer simulations to drug design, before deciding on settling on any of them. Being part of the IRE program also grants me the experience on having overseas research and I am privileged to be part of a front-line research team in the US in the coming semester working on cutting-edge solar cell technologies. These valuable opportunities play an important role in paving the way to my further studies. 

Being part of the IRE community is never lonely as you are going to meet many great minds that are always passionate about hard-core science and are more than happy to discuss about any topic anytime.

Studying Environmental Science at HKUST has been immensely enjoyable because there are always many learning resources. This program does not only provide comprehensive education in exploring the relationship between human and environment, but also offers abundant opportunities for students to organize different environmental protection campaigns. 

Furthermore, field trips and laboratory courses equipped me with observation and analytical skills. In addition, the School of Science encourages us to join various environmental protection-related study tours, training programs and workshops. For career planning, students are welcome to seek a consultation service and participate in the career building courses and CV and interview workshops. I have no regrets about studying at HKUST, which gives me abundant resources to learn.

Studying Mathematics at HKUST has been enormously enjoyable with the teaching passion in professors, support network from fellows and training on rational thinking. I also got a chance to participate in the academic exchange program with the University of Zurich in Switzerland to enhance my knowledge and experience a different learning environment. Apart from academics, I also have a fruitful university life. Joining the MAGNET Peer Mentoring Program broadened my social network and enhanced my leadership skills. As a member of the Social Entrepreneurship Training Program, I gained a better understanding of our society and hands-on working experience. My gratitude to SCI/HOME for offering these enrichment programs for us to step out of our comfort zones!

I am pleased to get admitted to the MAEC program through program-based admissions. In the first two years, the well-designed curriculum provided me with a solid training of advanced mathematical skills and economic sense, which prepared me for the in-depth study on financial mathematics afterwards.

Besides, I got support from both the School of Science and the School of Business and Management with respect to my career planning. I developed a broad perspective through attending career talks, alumni sharing and career training workshop. The School of Science runs a MenTernship Program, where I got my first internship from my mentor and learnt precious professional tips.

In my third year of study, I participated in a one-semester academic exchange at Columbia University. It was indeed a great opportunity for me to explore different cultures and enjoy the academic atmosphere in one of the top universities in the world!

I benefit a lot from the IRE program. To be more specific, through this program I got the chance to study mathematics under Professor Frederick Fong’s supervision. With professor Fong’s help, I first went through a lot of basic but advanced knowledge, like differential geometry and partial differential equation. Moreover, I also started to read some papers that can help me get into my field. After these preparations, I began my first research project with Professor Fong and his Ph.D. student. Luckily enough, I have the experience and foundation that I got from my two years IRE study. Therefore, with Professor Fong’s help, I solved the problem that he gave me and we published this result. Besides this, SCIE 3900 of the IRE program gave me the opportunity to go to Columbia University for an academic visit, which makes my Ph.D. application much easier.

IRE is an “Elite” program, not only in the sense of the program design, but also in the sense of my social network, which is the largest reward I have got in HKUST.

In the IRE track, we would take extensive and advanced courses to acquire more scientific knowledge. At the same time, we take part in undergraduate research projects, reading scientific articles and writing reports. This specially designed curriculum trained us to be more prepared for future study and research.

Aside from the curriculum, the IRE community is the real treasure of the program. We have annual events to meet with professors. Moreover, in IRE, we have some very talented students in different disciplines. By communicating with each other, via informal gatherings or journal club meetings, we can learn a lot more than mere textbook knowledge.

I experienced everything I imagined about IRE: challenging and exciting academic training, an exchange semester in a world renowned university, plus a fruitful research internship with a world-leading expert in my field. But most importantly, being closely-bonded with a community of like-minded people, who can both turn lunch into academic seminar, and turn academics into the most entertaining source of laughter.

The International Research Enrichment (IRE) program is what makes HKUST science stand out from the science programs offered in Hong Kong. As early as in our first year, we were given the chance to learn about the research of different professors. The ‘guided study on research’ course series enables us to explore our interests and develop basic research knowledge and techniques progressively. For me, the most rewarding part is the school-sponsored overseas summer research experience, which is exclusive to IRE students. Not only did I gain extremely precious research experience in an overseas university, but it was also crucial for my graduate school application because we built our connections outside of Hong Kong. The professors in HKUST are very helpful, apart from providing us with valuable guidance during our research projects, they also make use of their connections to introduce overseas research opportunities to us. The IRE program is a truly research-oriented program designed for students like me. Now I have received satisfying Ph.D. offers and will do research in condensed matter physics at UIUC in the future.

IRE program provides the opportunity for students eager to learn or even generate knowledge to gather and exchange ideas. It allows students who love academic topics to socialize and have fun. One highlight of IRE is the summer international internship experience, from which students may experience the work ethics of research teams from other countries. I went to Germany and witnessed the stronger focus on a work-life balance there. I also experienced the noticeable team spirit and mutual support among the research team members. The internship let me see the communicative side of research and work in general. Apart from the internship, IRE students are often exposed to many research opportunities, helping them develop their soft skills such as academic logic, various basic technical skills in the process of addressing research questions, such as statistical analysis in my case, and familiarizing them with the entire process of research.

Studying in HKUST allows me to obtain the latest information in many research fields from experts all around the world. My major in Biotechnology gives me the chance to find out the demand for healthcare products by visiting different groups of society. By applying what we learnt, for example the characteristics of different bacteria, we can make our own products through trial and error. 

What’s even more exciting is the co-curricular activities that I have participated in. Throughout these years, I have joined various programs held by HKUST. The most remarkable one is the exchange program during Year 3 fall semester, in which I have been staying in the US for half a year. By interacting with the students in US, you will realize how amazing this world can be. Such experience does not only widen your vision, but also goes far beyond your imagination. Besides, being an executive committee member of a society, joining leadership and volunteers' program, speaking in front of 400 people as a student ambassador, living in a student residence hall, running on the fields in a sunny day as a sport team member - all of these should be on the “must-do list” for every university student. Of course, they are not everything; there is so much more left for you to discover.