As an undergraduate, he published a research paper as the first author, co-founded 4 student clubs including SUSTech Charity and initiated the SUSTech Branch of AIESEC (Association Internationale des Etudiants en Sciences Economiques et Commerciales). That’s Wang Haoyi, who has received the offer from Dartmouth College and did well both in the academic research and club activity in college. He not only has the prudence needed by scientific research, but also has more pure pursues.

As one of the eight universities in the Ivy League, Dartmouth College is a renowned institution of higher learning in the United States. It owns world-class graduate education with many interdisciplinary scientific research programs leading the U.S. and has pioneered new didactical fields and research modes for American universities.

Scientific research: explore his way guided by the mentor

When talking about scientific research, Wang said, “I think, for undergraduates, scientific research seems like exploring in the darkness, while the mentor, who, like a cat, is more insightful and knowledgeable, can guide your way.”

Fortune favors the prepared mind. From the sophomore year, Wang has already participated actively in the laboratory work and spent many summer and winter vocations in the laboratory. Hard work paid off. Such experience in the laboratory laid him a solid foundation for scientific research and the so-called complex and tedious experiment process developed him into a thinker. He said, “Chemical experiments are quite time-consuming. For example, separating column chromatography needs much time to observe.  Instead of playing cellphone or taking with others during the observation, I would like to ponder on some issues. For example, what did the mentor say? Why did he say so?”  

After thinking, the best way to elevate knowledge is to discuss with the mentor frequently. However, Wang pointed out that “before discussion with the mentor, who, though, is always ready to provide some suggestions, you need to think of the question in depth beforehand”. When faced with some questions he couldn’t figure out or disagreed with. He would exchange with his mentor. This kind of exchange rewarded him the best. “Sometimes I doubted the mentor’s views and argued with him,” he said with a smile, “however, I was often the one proved to be false. Still, I learned a lot during the process and my mind became clearer.”

Advantage of “first author”: has an overall grasp of his own thesis

Research capabilities are part and parcel for PhD application. Having published a research paper on Chemical Communications [＊] as the first author became a highlight in his application. “In fact, most undergraduates are just the second author of some published papers. I was lucky for I could publish a research paper as the first author under the guidance of my mentor, Prof. Jiang Wei”.

In interview, the interviewer would pay much attention to one’s scientific research output, especially the published research paper. During his PhD interview at Dartmouth College, the interviewer focused on the research paper he published as the first author. Wang explained, “I have participated in this project, and have read a multitude of literature and done many experiments. Therefore, I had a clear clue about the whole research paper and could answer freely whatever questions asked by the interviewer.” Wang also recommended younger fellows to have an overall grasp of the research paper. “Whether you have participated in part of or the whole project, being familiar with your own output makes you more convincing during the interview”.

A tip for PhD interview: cultivate innovative thinking

Speaking of the interview, Wang said that some students, when preparing, would spend much effort searching answers for interview questions on the Internet, striving to make “perfect” answers. However, in an interview for further scientific research, interviewers often pay more attention to innovative thinking and one’s potentials. He pointed out, “ stereotyped answers cannot show your innovative thinking. Hence, even if interviewers ask some conventional questions, what they value most is whether you have a unique perspective of thinking, not the answers”.  

Wang believes that cultivating innovative thinking is actually not difficult. Everyone has their own way of thinking. Sometimes, they just are blocked by the engrained thoughts. At that time, instead of blindly following existing routines, you need to think and ask why frequently. Everyone is able to conjure up surprising innovative thinking perspectives.

Club activities: improve himself in the colorful Life

In fact, Wang has not dedicated to scientific research at the first two years of college life. He was very active in campus activities. “At that time, SUSTech clubs just started, providing infinite possibility for the self-development of students.” From the SUSTech Branch of AIESEC, SUSTech Charity, Swimming Club to Bike Club, Wang was awarded with sense of fulfillment. More importantly,  these experiences also broadened his horizon and inspired him to improve himself continuously.

“The experience of co-founding the SUSTech Branch of AIESEC helped me to be truly mature.” he said, “for example, there was a student who took part in an exchange program in India. Unfortunately, he was stolen the minute he got off the plane. We helped him to contact the Chinese Embassy and Indian AIESEC. From such incidents, I gradually learned to stay calm when handling contingencies.”

If establishing SUSTech Branch of AIESEC broadened his horizon, then SUSTech Charity brought him back to the pureness and accustomed him to have in-depth thinking about details in life. He said: “In SUSTech Charity, I learned to observe all kinds of people, especially those defective children. They were innocent and outgoing at six or seven, while 2 or 3 years later, they became silent with complex look. I began to realize how harmful social prejudice could be. Since then, I just wanted to devote to charitable works to raise people’s awareness on charity.” For himself, he also benefited from such pureness when he carried out scientific research later. He became more patient in doing well in everything without craving for instant success and benefit.

To younger fellows: the most important thing in college life is to find your own identity

“Looking back now, the most important thing in the college life is to define yourself.” Wang said, when asked about his suggestions to the younger generation, “Everyone deserves a different way of life and what you need to do is to find it.”

“Life in college is different from high school: in high school, everyone has a uniform life while in college, some students may be plain and practical, moving towards a direction step by step with persistence. Some others are active and progressive, loving challenges and willing to have a try for new things. You need to know yourself thoroughly and define yourself by discovering your merits and demerits, and then find the most suitable lifestyle for your college, even for your life. ”

Speaking of the future, Wang said with a smile: “SUSTech is a place teeming with sense of belonging. Here, I have met my life mentor Prof. Lu Zhouguang, professional mentor Prof. Jiang Wei and many talented classmates. I will really miss it.”

＊Chemical Communications (Chem.Comm) is a peer-reviewed scientific journal published by the Royal Society of Chemistry (Britain). It covers all aspects of chemistry. It is a second-level journal in the SCI ranking list of journals by Chinese Academy of Sciences, with an impact factor of 6.834.

     Wang Haoyi has published a research paper on Chem.Comm as a joint first author in 2015 and a cover paper on Chem.Comm as the second author in 2016.