Majoring in Chemistry is like exploring the realm beyond our sight as we get to learn the mechanisms beneath physical matter. I personally enjoyed performing experiments and visiting advanced labs. I love the professors, teaching assistants and staff who are always passionate and helpful to guide us through when we have struggles. University life is always more than its academics. The School of Science has not only provided me platforms to meet friends from other countries, but also job opportunities to develop skills and learn about myself. I am proud to say I have grown a lot with the education at HKUST.

After one-year of exploration of various science subjects, I chose Mathematics & Economics as my major and started the research with my supervisor through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP). With both quantitative and analytical skills as well as a business background, my major equips me well for further postgraduate study.

Except for the all-rounded academic training, there are numerous activities such as CEOs talks, career advising and trainings from both the School of Science and School of Business. I participated in the MenTernship and HeadStart Program and was eventually given an Internship in Shanghai last summer. Moreover, the School of Science offers plenty of enrichment opportunities. I am more familiar with the actual world and my passion for conducting further research on development economics is aroused through joining the SCI/NUCLEUS Social Service Team.

Last year, I was offered an Exchange Program at the University of California, Berkeley and it allowed me to exchange ideas with top scholars and students. It was amazing! The School of Science definitely provides us with a platform to explore the world! Keep open-minded and passionate, grab the chance and enjoy your study and life!

It is a really fabulous experience. Studying at HKUST provides a unique environment to concentrate and relax. When I face problems, sitting near the seafront can always give me a sign of relief.

To be concise, studying mathematics at HKUST is a good place because of the Maths Support Center (MSC). I always go to MSC to ask questions and they will explain in detail, which helps me to consolidate my knowledge.

It is not only about studying. Frankly, there are ranges of different activities. Particularly, I enjoy going on exchange. Both HKUST and the School of Science will provide different opportunities to exchange. No matter if I'm choosing the same academic field or not, I can learn something new from others. And most importantly, it gives me a chance to get used to independence.

Thanks to the IRE program, I met many faculty and researchers who are devoting to scientific research and they let me see that pursuing a research career in Hong Kong is actually possible. I started working on a research project in Year 2, where I gained hands-on experience in doing literature reviews and designing, conducting and evaluating the experiments. The project let me get the first taste of satisfaction of doing research. 

In my overseas research internship, I worked as a full-time researcher in an organic synthesis research group in Japan. Though the experimental techniques are similar, the research culture and approach are different. My classmates who are also passionate about science always support me to keep trying when there is a bottleneck in my research project. The many research opportunities and supports built my confidence in being a researcher.

Coming to HKUST is the best choice I have ever made. The amazing faculties here are not only good for doing great sciences but are also dedicated to nurturing the students. The tremendous opportunities for joining laboratories, UROP (Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program), independent study courses, etc., allowed me to immerse myself in scientific research as early as a freshman. The professors, no matter in lectures or as mentors, are always very approachable and supportive and offered me invaluable guidance on my career path development. I always felt encouraged to step out of my comfort zone and dare to try the impossible – this is how I became the first science student to graduate with double majors in Biochemistry and Cell Biology and Computer Science. I could never have done it in four years' time without their enormous support and encouragement. 

It was more than just knowledge that I learnt from my undergraduate studies, my experiences in laboratories, interdisciplinary courses and exchange in Cornell University broadened my horizons, trained my logical thinking and prepared me for a PhD study at Johns Hopkins Medical School – something I would never have imagined without HKUST. Besides, I love the diversity of students and faculty composition that HKUST always tried to keep – it is quite hard to foresee who I would have become if I had not been surrounded by friends from all over the world. I am so thankful that they made me an open-minded person and made my four-year university life so enjoyable.

HKUST Chemistry – where future world-class scientists are born! I am so honored to be a member at HKUST Science. The Department of Chemistry provides unlimited opportunities and resources for us to unveil secrets in this universe and the professors have built a positive and enjoyable learning atmosphere. Apart from consolidating theories in lectures, we were also trained to be professional in the fully equipped laboratories.

In one of the semesters, I was nominated as an exchange student to America by the School of Science. That was my first time to study overseas, to meet buddies from the other continents and to explore the natural beauty of the United States. Another experience worth mentioning was my summer intern as a laboratory assistant in a local food company in Hong Kong. I was given a chance to handle advanced analytical instruments, which we can just see in the pictures in our lecture notes. After this real working experience, it confirms to me to become an analytical chemist in the future.

I have always been passionate about looking for creative solutions to solve different problems. Starting my business is like a science experiment - you identify a problem, construct a hypothesis and experiment with different possibilities. You must have perseverance to strive for the best solution!

Apart from the fascinating campus setting, the HKUST undergraduate training has provided me with a strong foundation of science knowledge especially under the guidance of experienced scholars. It has equipped me with great analytical, organizational and problem-solving skills. These skills are still applicable in my current design work, as design is also a process to find the most optimal solutions for environmental, technological and sociological problems.