On the evening of 10th September, the ANU PhD Sharing Session & 9th Cultural Roam was successfully held by joint science college (JSC) in R. 107, Songxin Building, with the aim to inspire students through the example of outstanding alumni, help them better understand the path to overseas research and further studies, promote the exchange and interaction between ANU teaching faculty and JSC students, and expand students' international perspectives. The ANU biology teaching team Benjamin Schwessinger, Ellen Alexandra, JiaJia Li, Yapeng Lang, and the college’s first alumnus Zhang Zirui attended the activity, hosted by Teng Feitongtong, a biological science major student, 2023 cohort.
At the beginning of the event, Zhang Zirui shared his study and research experiences at the Australian National University (ANU). During his master's studies, he received the Academic Excellence Award signed by the vice chancellor for two consecutive years and the Annual Graduate Research Excellence Award from ANU College of Science and Medicine, thanks to his great academic achievements and research results. He has now been awarded a full Ph.D. scholarship to continue his doctoral studies. In his presentation, he vividly showcased his personal learning and life experiences with images, as well as provided a detailed introduction to ANU's teaching methods and course structure. He emphasized that choosing a major should be based on genuine interest to maintain long-term research motivation. In Q & A session, the participants had lively discussion. The event was both professional and inspiring.
In the "Cultural Roam" session, the host introduced the history and crafting process of Luodian, a kind of art made from shells, showcasing the unique charm of this traditional Chinese craftsmanship. Then, the faculty and students applied the shells to the base to created delicate patterns using imagination. Following that, the participants presented their beautiful works and explained their ideas to each other. This crafting experience of Luodian serves as a good opportunity to carry forward the intangible cultural heritage and enhance the exchange between ANU teachers and JSC students.
The informative sharing of alumni helped students gain a clearer understanding of their overseas study plans and directions of professional development. Also, through interactions with ANU teachers and the handcraft activity, they have further enhanced cultural literacy and broadened their global perspectives. Moreover, this event highlighted the college's international educational features, contributed to cultivating talents with a global perspective, research competence, and cultural depth, and showcased the college's solid achievements in integrating academic and cultural exchange.
