This series allows our community to connect with our alumni and learn the great work they are doing around the globe. The XLIS mission to enable confident, open-minded global citizens is evident in their lives.
Years you have studied at XLIS?
I attended XLIS from 2014 to 2016 as part of the AP program.
What brought your family to XLIS/Xi’an?
I was born and raised in Xi’an, and XLIS became the platform where I began to explore the world beyond my hometown.
Where are you located now?
I am currently based in Tokyo, Japan.
What are you doing now?
I am currently pursuing a PhD in Chemical Engineering at the University of Tokyo, where my research focuses on the interaction between host health and the intestinal microbiota, particularly within the context of biomedical engineering. Prior to this, I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Washington in the United States.
What’s your fondest memory of XLIS?
Time flies — it has already been a decade since I graduated, and the overall experience has become a warm and cherished memory deep in my heart.
I met incredible people from all over the world, and many of us have remained close friends ever since, staying in touch throughout the years. The passion and kindness shown by the international teachers and staff helped me develop the confidence and courage to adapt to different cultures and environments later in my life adventures.
I still remember the cozy corner of the library where my friends and I would huddle together, sharing our favorite passages from books — that’s where I first learned the meaning of resonance. I remember the bittersweet tears when my friends graduated — that’s when I truly understood separation. I also remember the “Starry Night” themed prom we proposed, planned, decorated, and celebrated together — that’s where I experienced collaboration and a sense of achievement.
All of these moments remain like shining stars in the galaxy of my memories. I miss the sincere, passionate, hopeful version of myself that XLIS helped shape.
Please share a story on how you are still making a difference today.
Seeing people suffer from illness has always made me wonder what I could do to help. Over time, I came to realize that rather than relying solely on personal effort to address individual problems, making a broader, systemic impact through technological innovation might be even more meaningful and far-reaching.
Today, with information becoming more accessible—such as how literature reviews that once took weeks can now be accelerated with AI tools—I believe the key lies in interdisciplinary collaboration. As individuals, we have greater capacity than ever before to integrate knowledge across fields and drive change.
That’s why I chose to pursue a PhD, combining my background in chemical engineering with biomedical research. During my doctoral studies, I conduct in-depth literature reviews, design and carry out experiments, attend international conferences to share my research and engage with fellow experts, and publish my findings in scientific journals. Through these efforts, I aim to contribute meaningful insights to the global academic community.
Looking ahead, I hope to bridge the gap between research and real-world application—to translate complex scientific findings into practical solutions that reduce costs and are accessible to those in need. I believe that everyone deserves a chance at treatment, and I hope my work can offer even a small but meaningful contribution toward that goal.
