• 2024-03-19
    Brooke Conway: Family First, University Next, My Unconventional Path to Finding Freedom from "Data"
    "I feel like my path has been unconventionally backwards." says Brooke Conway, currently a Data Science graduate student at GTSI.Back in San Francisco, Brooke got married at an early age and has raised four kids. Before earning her degree in Finance and Decision Science from San Francisco State University, she was also busy running a one-person spa business.In 2022, Brooke and his family left the United States and relocated to Hong Kong. After spending months addressing logistical errands from obtaining visas, finding a place to live, to school arrangements for the kids, Brooke started to ask herself, "What am I truly interested in? How far can I go this time?"Thus, the seeds planted in Brooke's heart during her undergraduate years finally blossomed. Brooke chose the "numbers" she had loved since childhood, driven by her curiosity to unravel the laws and facts behind the numbers. Upon learning about the GTSI Master of Science in Analytics program, she quickly applied for admission, traveled to Shenzhen, and sat in the classroom once again.For two to three days a week, Brooke has to attend school, being separated from his family and children. Even upon returning home, she has to dedicate herself to self-studying and completing her schoolwork. "I work so hard, but isn’t that the case for all GTSI students? Everyone is pursuing their own goals. It doesn't feel like we're grinding it out. We’re simply enjoying it."As of now, Brooke has started her second semester at GTSI. With the integration and evolution of the curriculum system, she began to find her place in the data analytics field. With the guidance of her professors, she is gradually identifying her strengths and professional focus within the field.Looking ahead to the future, what Brooke anticipates most is a sense of freedom from data, a way to grasp useful information in chaos. "Afterall,lifeisusuallyfilledwithcomplexsituations.Havingananalyticalinsight will help me 'clean' it and turn it into something truly meaningful."↑↑↑ Click the video above to watch “Voices” Episode 13:Brooke Conway: FindingMyPlaceintheDataAnalyticsField
  • 2023-12-28
    2023 Year-End Review | A More Internationalized GTSI
    In 2023, Georgia Tech Shenzhen Institute, Tianjin University (GTSI) embarked on a new chapter of internationalization. From the relaunch of Georgia Tech's China Summer Program to GTSI's engagement in various academic exchanges and cultural visits across Asia-Pacific, GTSI welcomed its first post-COVID cohort of full-time international students and facilitated active student participation in international organization programs, including the United Nations. GTSI is actively exploring and implementing strategies for international education, endeavoring to establish itself as an important bridge for Sino-American cultural and educational exchanges and a high-quality international brand for "Study Abroad in Shenzhen."
  • 2023-12-15
    GTSI Hosts the Inauguration Ceremony for "IELTS China Higher Education Partners"
    On December 14, 2023, the inauguration ceremony for the "IELTS China Higher Education Partner" was held at the International Innovation Valley Transitional Campus of Georgia Tech Shenzhen Institute, Tianjin University (GTSI).Attendees of the ceremony included Mr. Chen Zhijun, Director of Examinations South China at the British Council; Dr. Tong Zhou, GTSI’s Co-director and Georgia Tech’s Associate Vice Provost for International Initiatives; Dr. Xiao Songshan, GTSI’s Co-director and Tianjin University’s Assistant President and Mr. Wang Zhiya, GTSI’s Senior Manager for Academic Programs of Office of Academic Affairs."GTSI is an ideal partner for the British Council. As a Sino-foreign cooperative educational institution, GTSI upholds the authentic education of Georgia Tech and a commitment to internationalization, emphasizing students' excellence in academic research skills and proficiency in the English language. Through this collaboration, we aim to jointly establish a convenient and effective bridge for cultivating international talents," said Mr. Chen Zhijun, Director of Examinations South China at the British Council, in his address."This collaboration represents a crucial step for GTSI in promoting international education in Shenzhen and accelerating the cultivation of high-level internationalized talents. In the future, GTSI will continue to work with the British Council more deeply and comprehensively, exploring more opportunities to enhance students' international competitiveness and GTSI's global influence," said Dr. Tong Zhou, Co-director of GTSI.This collaboration represents another significant step in GTSI's blueprint for high-level internationalized higher education. As a Sino-foreign cooperative educational institution co-organized by leading universities in the U.S. and China, GTSI boasts a faculty comprised entirely of internationally recruited members and exceptional students from around the world. The English teaching environment and diverse campus culture not only facilitate the development and enhancement of students' international competencies but also contribute to the establishment of an important brand for Shenzhen as an internationalized city. The in-depth collaboration between the GTSI and IELTS China will leverage the British Council's abundant resources in English language education, examination, and assessment. It aims to provide flexible examination and assessment services, as well as a platform for cultivating English language proficiency and cross-cultural exchange for teachers, students, and the community at large. This collaboration will offer comprehensive support for GTSI's English language teaching, faculty development, curriculum construction, and branding enhancement.
  • 2023-12-01
    GTSI November Newsletter: GTSI Participates in Overseas Education Fair and Academic Cooperation Negotiations in Korea
    Keywords for November: Talent Cultivation, Career DevelopmentEvents: Communication and ExchangeGTSI Participates in Overseas Education Fair in Korea, Strengthens Cooperation and Exchange with Korean UniversitiesIn November, GTSI participated in the Overseas Education Fair held in Seoul, engaging in face-to-face interactions with local students and hosting a meeting with Georgia Tech alumni in Korea. Subsequently, GTSI representatives held strategic discussions with Yonsei University and the International Office of the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology to explore ways to promote international cooperation in higher education.This series of international exchange activities has further increased GTSI's visibility in Korea, providing more opportunities for overseas students to learn about and choose GTSI. It also sets the stage for new prospects for future international cooperation.Note: Yonsei University is recognized as one of the top three universities in South Korea, and Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology is one of the four major national science and technology institutes in the country.GTSI Participates in UN Job Fair, Facilitates International Career Opportunities for StudentsOn November 22, GTSI was invited to attend the 4th UN Job Fair, organized by the China Scholarship Council (CSC) in Shanghai. The event provided a platform for GTSI to discuss and exchange with representatives from 23 international organizations, including UNESCO and over 60 Chinese universities. Discussions focused on the talent needs of international organizations and the exchange of views on cultivating globally competent talents in universities.This event served as a bridge between Chinese universities and international organizations, promoting direct connections and collaborations between the two. By actively participating in such events, GTSI is committed to helping students explore and achieve broader international career development opportunities.GTSI Faculty and Students Participate in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area Women in Science and Technology ForumOn November 16, GTSI faculty and students were invited to attend an integral part of the 2023 X-Lake Forum – the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area Women in Science and Technology Sub-Forum themed "Integrating Technology into Education, Crafting Future with Intelligence," which was hosted or organized by the Ministry of Science and Technology, and the Shenzhen Municipal Government, Nanshan District Government, Shenzhen Women's Federation, Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Committee, and Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School. Through inspiring speeches by leading figures in science and technology and three engaging round table discussions, faculty and students gained insights into various dimensions of talent development in science and technology and participated in discussions on the empowering force of women breaking gender barriers.GTSI participates in Taoyuan International Talent Exchange FairHosted by the International Talent Communication Center (ITCC), the Inaugural Xili Lake Talent Service Development Conference and Talent Service Tour in Nanshan kicked off on November 16, with the event slogan being “Hello! Xili Lake.” During the event, GTSI representatives engaged in the International Talent Exchange Fair of Taoyuan Subdistrict with a slogan of "Live the Vibe in Taoyuan." They interacted and exchanged ideas regarding the service needs and interest development of international talents.Through this event, GTSI representatives gained a deeper understanding of the overall situation of the Service Center, and familiarized themselves with its functions and volunteer services. Additionally, through communication with other international friends, they identified the needs of international talents such as language environment, legal and policy support, cultural exchange, community integration, and entrepreneurial and employment environment. This experience provides valuable insights into the depth and scope of services for foreign faculty and students.Campus: SustainabilityGTSI Student Group Explores Sustainable Practices in Hong KongTo enhance students' understanding of urban food waste management systems, GTSI faculty and students visited O·PARK1, Hong Kong's first Organic Resource Recycling Centre (ORRC), on November 26. With a capacity to process 200 metric tons of food waste from industry and commerce daily, O·PARK1 is one of the largest facilities of its kind in Asia.During the visit, faculty and students gained a more intuitive understanding of how O·PARK1 utilizes anaerobic digestion technology to convert food waste into biogas for electricity generation. The residual materials are then used for landscaping and agricultural production. The outstanding practices in Hong Kong left a deep impression on the faculty and students.As one of GTSI’s sustainability practices, this activity aims to educate students on the development of environmental responsibility and ecological civilization.The 2nd Campus Energy Consumption Data Sharing and Exchange Discussion Event was Successfully HeldOn November 13, To fully implement GTSI Sustainable Action Plan, students from the Energy Consumption Data Analysis Team organized the 2nd seminar on Campus Energy Consumption Data. During the activity, students presented the results of GTSI Energy Consumption Survey and showed monthly energy consumption data of the Transitional Campus. The goal was to foster a deeper understanding of campus energy consumption among faculty and students and to discuss ways to improve energy-saving measures. Next, GTSI will incorporate the survey results with feedback from faculty and students to further refine the content of the Campus Energy Conservation Initiative.GTSI's Fall Semester Sustainability Seminars HeldOn November 13 and November 27, GTSI hosted the last two Sustainability Seminars of the fall semester. The seminar series included special lectures on sustainability and 3-minute presentations.In the special lecture, Mr. Wei Wei from the Office of Campus Planning and Infrastructure Management (CPIM) shared insights on carbon peak and carbon neutrality, while Ms. Liu Yang introduced the implementation methods of “water” and “energy” performance categories for the Living Building Challenge (LBC) at the Institute’s future student activities center. During the three-minute presentation segment, seven students from different backgrounds and majors shared their creative sustainability projects, including CO₂-driven lithium recycling technology, sustainable agriculture and economy, and the impact of various interventions on water conservation in showers.The Sustainability Seminars are designed to integrate the knowledge and resources of various campus units, to help students, faculty, and staff gain a deeper understanding of sustainability, and to foster interdisciplinary communication and skills.Teaching: Student Story[Voices] Lillian: I, An Engineer, Artist, Industrial DesignerIn this episode of Voices, we have invited Li Xinzhuo (Lillian), an Industrial Design major at GTSI. After graduating with a bachelor's degree in Industrial Design from Pratt Institute, Lillian was drawn to the ranking and distinctiveness of Georgia Tech's Master of Industrial Design (MID) program and eventually chose GTSI to further her studies. Since this August, she has embarked on a tech-guided design journey centered on empirical evidence, gradually discovering the three identities of an industrial designer: designer, artist, and engineer.[Student Story] Chen Ye:Investment Bankers Need Storytelling Skills to be Good Data Analysts)In this episode of Student Story, we have invited Chen Ye, an Analytics major at GTSI. Throughout his graduate studies, Chen Ye has not only maintained a perfect GPA in data analysis courses, but has also focused on “how to tell a compelling story”— striking a balance between rigorous data analysis and catering to different audiences by presenting the results in an accurate, concise, and understandable manner. “During his internship in investment banking, Chen Ye demonstrated outstanding learning capabilities by independently completing a report on a bond fundraising project for a client company.Events: Shenzhen Higher-Ed Cultural ActivitiesX9 Alliance Sports Leagues Successfully Conclude, GTSI Faculty and Students Shine on the Playing FieldThe 2nd Rowing League and the 1st Badminton and Go Leagues of Shenzhen X9 Alliance of Universities and Institutes around X-Lake Sciensity concluded on November 15.GTSI faculty and students actively participated, engaging in friendly competition with their counterparts from other institutions around X-Lake Sciensity. They demonstrated excellent sportsmanship and achieved numerous honors, including the 2nd prize in the Rowing League Team Competition, the 3rd prize in the Badminton League, as well as awards for Outstanding Athletes, Outstanding Organization, and Outstanding Athletes in the Go League.Events: Career DevelopmentAnalytics (Data Science) Student Panel Successfully HeldOn November 14, GTSI organized the Analytics Student Panel with the theme of Internships and Job Hunting. Dr. Chen Yu'ang served as the moderator, and representatives from Classes 2021 and 2022 shared their valuable experiences in internship planning, interview skills, and detailed insights into their internships in industries such as finance, technology, and consulting. Dr. Chen focused on discussing how their studies at GTSI contributed to their internship experiences. Students expressed that the information shared at the panel provided crucial insights for their future internships and career planning.Furthermore, GTSI's career services advisor explained internship timelines, campus recruitment schedules, and correspondent career guidance offered by GTSI. Through this panel, students have gained a deeper understanding of internship preparation and career planning, becoming clearer about their career paths ahead. GTSI's Analytics Program Team will continue to organize related activities to help students enhance their professional skills and practical capabilities.[Corporate Visit] GTSI Faculty and Students Visit SF Express HeadquartersOn November 20, a group of GTSI faculty and students visited SF Express's headquarters located in Nanshan, Shenzhen. Company representatives guided the group through the brand showroom, providing in-depth insights into SF's strategies and significant initiatives in talent development. The company also invited two Georgia Tech alumni to deliver lectures to the faculty and students, to deliver lectures to the faculty and students and engage in lively interactive discussions with them, covering topics such as operational optimization, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, and engaging in lively interactive discussions.Events: Campus News2023 GTSI Student Creative Poster Competition and Exhibition HeldIn October, GTSI initiated the "2023 GTSI Student Creative Poster Competition" and solicited outstanding unofficial GTSI promotional posters from its students to promote the Institute and enhance its visibility. Over 30 designs were received, including hand-drawn illustrations, photography, 3D renderings, character-centered works, and copywriting. The award-winning works were announced on November 15, and the posters are currently on display on the 4th floor of the Innovation Valley Campus till December.Georgia Tech Professors Delegation Visits GTSI for Interactive ExchangeIn early November, a delegation of five professors from Georgia Tech's MSA, ENVE, and ECE Programs engaged in a week-long exchange visit to GTSI.The delegation interacted with GTSI faculty and discussed important issues such as discipline development and faculty team building. These exchanges provided valuable insights for developing disciplines and improving teaching quality at GTSI. To gain a more comprehensive understanding of GTSI, the delegation engaged in face-to-face communication with students to learn about their academic experiences and address academic-related issues.GTSI Welcomes Georgia Tech Alumni for Future DiscussionsOn November 5, GTSI's Analytics Program Team organized an alumni reception to welcome outstanding alumni from across the country. The event was open to graduates from Georgia Tech's School of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISyE) and Master of Science in Analytics (MSA) Program. GTSI MSA graduates and current students were also invited to participate in the event.The event brought together alumni from various academic and industrial sectors to share the latest developments in the application of data science, as well as the impact of emerging technologies such as AI on learning, work, and practice. Alumni shared their experiences and provided valuable advice to current students on the challenges they have been facing in the field of data science.Confident Communication Lab Series Enhances Students' Presentation SkillsThe Confident Communication Lab series aims to enhance students' public speaking skills through professional guidance and hands-on practice to meet the challenges of academic and professional environments.Three events have been successfully held this semester. The event on November 22 was specifically designed to meet the needs of students' presentations for finals, providing more targeted and practical exercises to help students overcome their nervousness and anxiety during presentations and to make their presentations clearer and more persuasive. Students appreciated the practicality and richness of the program.Foreign Faculty Attend Permanent Residence Policy SeminarOn November 21, foreign faculty at GTSI attended an English-language seminar on China's Permanent Residence Policy, which was hosted by Shenzhen Exit & Entry Administration and the International Talent Service Center of Shenzhen Immigration Service Office. This seminar aims to provide more convenience for foreign faculty to work and live in China, helping them better integrate into Chinese society.Last Faculty Lunch of the Fall SemesterOn November 30, 2023, the final Faculty Lunch of the year was held, bringing together both Chinese and foreign faculty and staff members to celebrate the end of the fall semester and the birthday of some faculty members.In the relaxed and open atmosphere of the lunch session, faculty and staff shared insights into their work and lives throughout the semester. After celebrating birthdays for faculty members whose birthdays fell on this month, everyone participated in a fun tabletop curling competition with red and blue teams. Following the activity, each faculty member wrote a card summarizing their teaching activities for 2023, expressing expectations for future work, and extending best wishes for GTSI in 2024.Enrollment: Student Recruitment in ProgressSuccessful Conclusion of GTSI 2023 Fall Enrollment PresentationsAt present, GTSI has successfully concluded its on-site information sessions of academic programs for the 2023 Fall Semester, covering 25 cities and nearly 70 higher education institutions. During these presentations, GTSI representatives engaged in face-to-face, in-depth discussions with faculty, staff, and students from diverse locations.Looking ahead, the Virtual Admissions Info-session is set to take place in December. During this event, professors and student representatives from various GTSI programs will share their extensive experiences in learning, internships, jobs, PhD pursuits, and overseas exchanges. On-site information sessions for the Spring 2024 Semester will kick off in February, and we look forward to your participation. Stay tuned for more updates.
  • 2023-11-23
    Voices: Designer, Artist, Engineer, Three Identities of an Aspiring Industrial Designer
    The personal charisma of LI Xinzhuo (Lillian) stems from her distinctly different personalities in different environments.At first glance, you may perceive her as an outgoing girl with a soft voice and affectionate laughter. However, when engaged in discussions related to her profession, she shows her keen insight through clear and decisive thinking and expression — just like a concise tangent line quickly drawn on paper.After completing her undergraduate studies in industrial design at Pratt Institute, Lillian was drawn to the ranking and distinctive features of the Master of Industrial Design program at Georgia Tech. Consequently, she decided to join GTSI this fall, embarking on a design journey centered around science and technology and grounded in empirical study. Through this process, she gradually acquired three distinct identities as an industrial designer.She’s a designer with sharp problem-solving insights. She’s an artist, letting out unlimited creativity from within. She is an engineer, adept at solving problems through technology.In contrast to Pratt’s emphasis on design techniques and artistic aesthetics, Lilian developed a user-centered design concept during her first semester at GTSI. For her online shopping UI design optimization project, she conducted extensive surveys using questionnaires and interviews to analyze the genuine needs of customers. Engaging in the Studio Co-creation program themed “Global Warming and Extreme Summer Heat,” Lilian and her friends hit the streets and night markets, observing and inquiring about various stall operators to better understand their business experiences.Lilian firmly believes that feasible inspiration is always established through careful thinking. The learning and practical experiences at GTSI have helped her grow towards the ideal image of an industrial designer in her heart. “I refuse to be a designer immersed solely in drawing all day. I want to establish a strong connection with the market, address demands through my designs, and ultimately create my brand. I am convinced that any exceptional design can provide people with great convenience and happiness, even if it only solves a very small problem.”↑↑↑ Click the video above to watch the 12th episode of “Voices”: Lilian and the “Three Identities of an Industrial Designer.”
  • 2023-11-01
    GTSI October Newsletter: Georgia Tech's TIMES bg视讯 University bg视讯 Released
    Keywords for October: Authoritative bg视讯, Academic Seminars, Sustainable DevelopmentAuthoritative: bg视讯 University bg视讯Georgia Tech Ranked 36th Globally by The Times Higher Education Recently, the Times Higher Education published bg视讯 University bg视讯 2024 — one of the world’s four major authoritative university rankings. Georgia Tech's excellence continues to be recognized, securing the 36th position and demonstrating a sustained upward trajectory in the global university rankings. The rating system gave Georgia Tech exceptionally high scores for research quality, industry, and international outlook. In particular, Georgia Tech was ranked 11th in engineering and technology.Events: Communication and ExchangeDr. Chen Yu'ang Invited to the INFORMS Annual Meeting in the United StatesThe 2023 Annual Meeting of the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS) took place in Phoenix, Arizona from October 15 to 18. Dr. Chen Yu'ang, Assistant Professor of the MS Analytics (Data Science) program at GTSI, was invited to attend the Meeting. Established in 1995 through the merger of the Operations Research Society of America (ORSA) and the Institute of Management Sciences (TIMS), INFORMS is globally recognized as the largest and most influential professional association in operations research, management science, and business analysis, attracting scholars and experts from around the world. Dr. Chen presented "Adaptive Two/Multi-Stage Stochastic Energy Infrastructure Expansion Planning" during an energy session called Transmission, Generation and Storage Long-Term Expansion Planning. He also discussed with researchers from the University of Chicago, the University of Iowa, the University of Florida, Georgia Tech-Atlanta, and Microsoft on the application prospects of stochastic optimization in the sustainable development of power systems.A Delegation from Zhiyuan College, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Visits GTSIOn October 16, a delegation led by Xia Weiliang, Vice President of Zhiyuan College at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, visited GTSI. GTSI Director Dr. Xiao Songshan, department representatives welcomed the delegation and joined them for discussions and exchanges. After a presentation of GTSI's development history, educational philosophy, and achievements in talent cultivation, both parties exchanged views on teaching management, faculty development, and international collaboration. Both institutions expressed intentions to enhance mutual communication, learn from each other's strengths, and explore further cooperation in student exchange and enrollment and other key areas.Campus: SustainabilitySustainability Seminars in Full Swing for the Fall Semester On October 9 and October 23, GTSI hosted the 3rd and 4th sessions of its Sustainability Seminars, featuring specialized lectures and 3-minute presentations.In the special lecture, Ms. Liu Yang from the Office of Campus Planning and Infrastructure Management (CPIM) introduced the challenges and responses to the full certification of performance categories of Living Building Challenge, which revolves aroundthe student activities center of GTSI’s future campus. Professor Zhang Wenlong from the Environmental Engineering program analyzed the background, current status, and future potential of urban hydroponic systems. During the 3-minute presentations, students from diverse backgrounds and majors shared their projects and creative ideas in sustainability. Presentation topics ranged from electrically driven CO₂ capture to water pollution control, and from visual model construction for climate change to the discovery of patterns in the global climate system.The Sustainability Seminars are designed to integrate the knowledge and resources of various campus units, to help students, faculty and staff gain a deeper understanding of sustainability principles, and to foster interdisciplinary communication and skill enhancement among students.GTSI Faculty and Students Visit Shenzhen Nanshan Energy Eco-ParkOn October 14, GTSI faculty and students visited the Shenzhen Nanshan Energy Eco-Park to study best practices in power generation by waste incineration and green community development in Shenzhen. Through this educational tour, the faculty and students gained a deeper understanding of the sustainable eco-cycling model implemented at the Nanshan Energy Eco-Park. This included insights into the architectural design features, regional functionalities, centralized control system for power generation by waste incineration, flue gas treatment processes, and waste recycling philosophy. GTSI plans to lead faculty and students in exploring more extracurricular hands-on activities aligning with sustainable concepts.GTSI Organizes bg视讯 Food Day Lecturebg视讯 Food Day is observed on October 16 annually. With approximately one-third of the world's food being wasted every year, food waste has become a global concern and resulted in economic losses of up to 1 trillion dollars. Therefore, Zhang Wenlong, Assistant Professor of Environmental Engineering, organized and delivered a lecture titled "Food Waste: A Global Issue" on October 16, 2023. He presented an overview of the global food waste situation, discussed the pros and cons of various kitchen waste treatment technologies, and urged faculty and students to take proactive measures to reduce food waste at its source. This initiative aims to contribute to sustainability in the food industry.Go Green Club Hike: Embracing Nature for a Sustainable FutureOn October 22, GTSI's Go Green Club organized an outdoor hike for faculty and students along the most popular hiking trail connecting GTSI permeant campus to Meilin Reservoir, the largest body of fresh water in close proximity to Shenzhen’s administrative and cultural center. Along the way, the participating faculty and students immersed themselves in the natural beauty amidst the hustle of bustle of city life and experienced the charm of sustainability. During the hike, GTSI Director Dr. Xiao Songshan provided insights into the construction progress of the Permanent Campus and the philosophy of sustainability, encouraging students to actively engage in environmental protection. The tour guide of the hike shared knowledge of environmental protection, reiterated the importance of a sustainable lifestyle, and encouraged participants to think deeper about their environmental impact. Looking ahead, the Go Green Club plans to organize more practical environmental activities and actively embody the principles of sustainable campus development.Teaching: Student Story[Voices] Jiang Wenyi: Engineering Goals, "Monkey" Needs "Although human lifestyles have changed dramatically over the decades, their bodies are really no different from the 'big monkeys' that ran and hunted on the African grasslands millions of years ago." This is a quote from CEO Shao Tianlan of Mekamand Robotics, the company where Jiang works as an intern. As a computer science major at GTSI, Wenyi aspires to be an algorithm engineer in perception and robotics, while keeping up the spirit of the "big monkey" running on the grasslands. Amidst the intense schoolwork, he manages to maintain a balance between hard work and relaxation, and achieve a rare sense of ease.[Student Story] Zhang Zhebin: Engineering Graduate Turns Civil Servant: Finding Fulfillment in HometownIn this episode of Student Story, we have invited Zhang Zhebin, who majored in Electrical and Computer Engineering at GTSI. In early 2022, he made a somewhat "unconventional" decision among his peers — to pursue a career in civil service. Within his last two semesters of studies at GTSI, he diligently completed the credits required for his master's degree while carving out time to prepare for the civil service exam. Ultimately, he successfully secured a position at the municipal government office of his hometown Huzhou, Zhejiang Province (30 minutes away from Hangzhou by train). What has this decision to land a stable job at a government agency brought him? What does it feel like to be a civil servant in his hometown? Let's delve into his story.Report: Media Focus[sznews.com] 4 times of Excellence! Overseas Study Stories of GTSI StudentsHailing from four distinctly different cities in southern, northern and western China, Sun Yuxin (from Beijing), Huang Junzhe (from Chongqing), Wang Wenlong (from Changsha, Hunan), and Wang Jingren (from Shijiazhuang, Hebei) met at GTSI in August 2020. Coming from diverse backgrounds and different personalities, the guys share the same admiration for Georgia Tech, bonded over it, and brought out the best of each other. Through mutual support for their studies, the four boys achieved outstanding academic outcomes and were all admitted to PhD or exchange programs at Georgia Tech's main campus in Atlanta. Despite having moved on to new chapters in their lives, they are still remembered and frequently talked about on campus for the way they lifted each other.This report has been featured on sznews.com:[Shenzhen Economic Daily] "Grumpy Little Chicken" Unintentionally Takes the Spotlight! GTSI Students' Self-Developed WeChat Game Goes ViralRecently, a level-based WeChat Mini Program game called "Grumpy Little Gabba" has gained traction in quite a few WeChat groups. The mastermind behind it is a Computer Science student enrolled in GTSI in the 2023 Fall Semester. Qian Xin chose a little chicken named Gabba as the game's protagonist, which is inspired by Dezhou Braised Chicken from Shandong, a traditional specialty of his hometown. The popularity of "Grumpy Little Gabba" could be attributed to the specialty achieving national meme status in recent years as well as the game’s entertaining, light-hearted, and easy-to-operate interface.This content has been featured in Shenzhen Economic Daily and Zhongguancun Online:Events: Shenzhen Business CircleGTSI Athletes Shine in Shenzhen Sports Arena In October, GTSI students actively participated in various sports events in Shenzhen, including the 2nd Shenzhen X9 Alliance of Universities and Institutes Rowing League, the Badminton Competition of University Students in Shenzhen, Football Game for University Students in Shenzhen, and Basketball Game for University Students in Shenzhen, among others. GTSI athletes demonstrated their tenacious and hardworking sportsmanship in these competitions. These sports events not only improved students' physical fitness, promoted teamwork and fostered a competitive spirit but also provided a platform for GTSI students to showcase their talents. With a series of tournaments going on, we look forward to seeing GTSI students and reach new heights in competitive sports.Events: Campus NewsChinese Language and Culture Classes for International StudentsIn October, GTSI's international students continued their cultural learning in Shenzhen. In Chinese language classes, students engaged in mid-term conversation practice, completed language training on "family and career" and learned essential school-related expressions, including time and numbers. In culture classes, students studied Chinese calligraphy, and the Chinese Zodiac, and explored the geography, culture, and history of GTSI's Permanent Campus. These courses provided students with a deeper understanding of the uniqueness of Chinese culture and helped to improve their cross-cultural communication skills.As part of the "Know Shenzhen, Understand Shenzhen, Love Shenzhen" city tour series, students visited Huaqiangbei Museum, Huaqiangbei Electronic Commercial Street, Dafen Oil Painting Village and Dafen Museum, experiencing urban industry development in China’s Silicon Valley of Hardware and Shenzhen’s Hakka roots in the eastern part of the city. The combination of "Theory (classes) + Practice (trips)" has offered international students an immersive academic and cultural experience. Here at GTSI, there will be more exciting activities to serve as a bridge for cross-cultural exchange and provide international students with deeper insights into the essence and values of Chinese culture.AutoDriveClub Fall Semester Event Series UnveiledFounded by Liu Mengmeng, Assistant Professor of Computer Science, the GTSI AutoDriveClub held its first activity on October 16, attracted many students who are passionate about auto-driving, and formed the Robotics Team and the RL Model Team as integral parts of the club.AutoDriveClub aims to enhance the practical and hands-on skills of GTSI students, enabling them to apply their acquired knowledge to real-world projects. The club will prepare students for national competitions and global leagues organized by the AWS DeepRacer League by learning, training, and practicing with AWS DeepRacer, an auto-driving racing reinforcement learning model. There will be more competitions organized by AutoDriveClub, providing students with additional practical opportunities."Alumni Meet" Successfully Concludes in ShanghaiOn October 21, the GTSI "Alumni Meet" event took place in Shanghai. Alumni gathered at the venue to exchange professional experiences, share life insights, reminisce about their time at GTSI, and host a warm birthday celebration for those alumni whose birthdays fell on the same day.The alumni thought the event was significant. They felt proud of their GTSI identity, looked forward to their futures, and hoped that such events would strengthen connections and interactions among them.2024 International Chinese Language Education Volunteer Selection CommencesThe Ministry of Education has initiated the selection of international Chinese language education volunteers for 2024. On October 26, a seminar was held on campus to provide details of the volunteer selection process. The seminar covered crucial information of the volunteer program, including position details, terms of service, and the application process, which helped students gain a better understanding of the project's operations and application requirements. During the seminar, students demonstrated a keen interest in international exchange programs and expressed their eagerness to participate in global volunteer service. GTSI is committed to providing more opportunities for students to participate in exchange initiatives across the globe.[GTSI Halloween Fun Night] Halloween Event UnveiledOn October 30, GTSI hosted the Halloween Fun Night. Featuring costume makeovers, a haunted house treasure hunt, quirky crafts, student booths, dart-snacking showdown, name tag tearing battle, makeup displays, and talent shows, the event created a splendid and unforgettable night for the students by showcasing creativity and imagination and emphasizing friendship and enjoyable interactions. Halloween Fun Night not only provided a rich and amusing cultural experience for faculty and students but also drew participation from international friends from sister universities.Enrollment: Enrollment in ProgressFirst Fall Campus Open Day Successfully HeldFrom campus tours to classroom observations, and from alumni sharing sessions to admissions policy interpretation...On October 29, students, parents, and alumni from across the country gathered in Shenzhen for GTSI's first Campus Open Day of the Fall 2023 semester.The visitors gained a deeper understanding of the professional advantages, cultivation model, future development, and application process of each program through specialized program introductions and promotion sessions joined by:Dr. Xiaoming Huo, Director of the Master of Science in Analytics (MSA) Program;Dr. Jian Luo, Director of the Master of Science in Environmental Engineering (ENVE) Program;Dr. Bolin Gao, Professor of the MS Electrical and Computer Engineering Program.In the trial lecture session, Dr. Lucas Dong from the Environmental Engineering program delivered an authentic Georgia Tech open class for the visitors. Representatives of Chinese and foreign students from different majors also shared their reasons for choosing GTSI and their respective gains and growth at the Institute. The visitors were then taken on an informative guided tour at the Makerspace, Library, Wellness Center, and other campus facilities.Admissions Meeting in Shanghai, Nanjing, Guangzhou, and Chengdu Successfully ConcludedIn October, the GTSI student recruitment team traveled to Shanghai, Nanjing, Guangzhou, and Chengdu to hold admissions meetings and engage in in-depth discussions with students and parents to provide details about GTSI's admissions. The next Admissions Meetings will be held in Wuhan in December.
  • 2023-10-26
    GTSI Hydroponic Workshop: Gardening without Soil and Sunlight by Students from Various Academic Disciplines
    The GTSI Hydroponic Workshop offers students an opportunity to grow fresh vegetables in just a few weeks without soil or sunlight, and learn many advanced concepts in sustainability in the process .Two practical sessions had been conducted since the workshop’s launch in September. Led by Assistant Professor of Environmental Engineering Zhang Wenlong, students majoring in different academic disciplines experienced the entire process of hydroponic vegetable gardening — from sowing to germination, and from transplanting and harvesting. This process allows the students to understand the future direction of agriculture that is plant factory.Each workshop consists of four classes covering six steps of hydroponic vegetable gardening. Throughout the steps, a sesame-sized seed quickly grows into green leaves in an indoor gardening system with an LED light source. Exclamations of amazement such as “It’s so amazing!” could be heard frequently during the workshop.Want to know what’s “so amazing” about growing vegetables indoors on campus?Read what the participants had to say after growing and harvesting.Fellows, Let’s Grow Vegetables!Curiosity was the main driving force behind the students’ decision to join the hydroponic workshop.Before enrolling in GTSI, Computer Science student Wang Yingqi visited the hydroponic vegetable garden for the first time during the Campus Open Day and immediately developed an interest in growing vegetables in such an unconventional way. He even jokingly commented that “Chinese people will always find a way to grow and harvest food regardless of natural and material conditions.”For Environmental Engineering student Dong Shicheng, this was also his first experience in a hydroponic vegetable gardening environment. With basic knowledge of related technologies, he immediately signed up for the workshop and acquired first-hand experience through practical lessons. Outside of classes, he read a lot of relevant literature to further understand cutting-edge developments in the field.“I joined GTSI in August. I’m still thinking about what field to pursue in the future. Participating in a program like the hydroponic workshop really helps me to figure out my interests and future direction.”- Dong Shicheng, GTSI Environmental Engineering student, Fall 2023Using the indoor gardening system with a LED light source, the students tried to cultivate two varieties of vegetables —– pak choi and Chinese lettuce — with the following steps: sowing, germination, hardening off seedlings, transplanting, cultivating and harvesting.According to the students, despite each step of the vegetable growing process not being complex, they need to be very careful about controlling variables such as lighting, pH value and potential algae pollution to ensure the survival and harvest of the vegetables.“The most difficult step may be transplanting,” recalled Ji Zhiyun, an Analytics student. “We have to carefully separate the fragile roots and stems of the plants. Many of them are tangled. You may break the roots if you use too much force to separate them, leading to the premature death of the plants.”Plants show more than their fragility to the students. The tender buds in the seed tray and the spreading of the roots also allow them to get a sense of their growth.Before this, I’ve never planted a seed. I was really excited and happy in the second class after witnessing the seeds that I cultivated sprouting in just a few days.- Wang Yingqi, GTSI computer science student, Fall 2023During the harvesting of the vegetables, we found a huge root system absorbing nutrients under the Pak choi. It was an amazing sight.- Ji Zhiyun, GTSI analytics student, Fall 2022Since the first workshop ended, plump vegetable leaves had grown out of almost all 216 seedling trays on the 4-layer nursery shelves. Some students harvested their vegetables right away and ate them in a hotpot meal.“Creative, fun and efficient” are the common perceptions of the workshop shared by the students and they hope there will be more participants to share this unique experience with them in the next workshop.Educating through vegetable gardening among students from various academic disciplines“Hydroponic vegetables seem to be an exclusive project for those majoring in environmental sciences, but the majority of the workshop participants do not come from environmental sciences backgrounds,” said Professor Zhang Wenlong.Such interdisciplinary experiences are common across extracurricular activities at GTSI. When making general introductions at the beginning of the workshop, Professor Zhang encouraged students to brainstorm the possibility of blending their respective academic concentrations with hydroponic vegetable technology.For example, how can they collect and organize data on the growth conditions of vegetables? How can they analyze the data and optimize the parameters of the vegetable growing environment? How do they reduce manual work and enhance the automation level? Technologies and ideas from different academic disciplines are required to solve these problems, allowing students to expand their knowledge and explore more possibilities.“I recently conducted a visit to a fully automated plant factory in Xiamen. Robots were used to complete the production process of hydroponic vegetables, fruits and herbs at the factory with an area of over 10,000 m2. (107639 ft2) This new model not only eliminates traditional agriculture's reliance on sunlight, climate and soil, but also ensures vegetable products are pollution-free and pesticide-free. With a steady production output and excellent quality, this model has great market potential. So I started a hydroponic workshop after returning from the visit, hoping that GTSI students can experience the future trend in agriculture. Participating students not only found hydroponic vegetables interesting, but also easy to grow them. They can even grow vegetables at home and become self-sufficient in the future.”- Zhang Wenlong, Assistant Professor of Environmental Engineering at GTSIIn addition, the sustainable development of urban agriculture is one of Professor Zhang’s academic interests. He is trying to recycle wastewater to provide eco-friendly and safe nutrients for hydroponic vegetables while studying carbon sequestration methods with microalgae to achieve carbon neutrality.“I do not require participating students to make major contributions or achieve milestones in hydroponic vegetables,” said Professor Zhang.Growing and harvesting vegetables in itself is an integrated experience of science, technology, agriculture, education and entertainment. The students’ amazement upon seeing buds sprouting from seeds and the huge root system under a small plant like the tip of an iceberg … that’s a basic instinct, and one of the most important academic and sentimental values in this project.GTSI Hydroponic Workshop2023Fall2024SpringFour Scheduled Workshops throughout the Academic YearAll Students WelcomeSign up for the Life of a Happy and Techy “Alternative Vegetable Farmer”👩‍🌾
  • 2023-10-12
    Prof. Min Luo at GTSI: Former IBM Chief Architect, Aiming to Train Practical Engineers
    Min Luo entered university in 1978 and was selected as a key talent in the field of computer systems in his sophomore year. In 1985, he achieved excellent results in the TOEFL exam, securing a scholarship for his studies in the United States. In 1992, he completed his Ph.D. at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Over the course of more than 30 years, he immersed himself in both the Chinese and American industrial sectors, amassing a wealth of hands-on experience.Starting as a "996" worker in a small 18-person company and ultimately becoming the Chief Architect of the IBM Software Group, Min Luo's journey of progress was marked by 1% of luck and 99% of hard work. Nevertheless, He said, "I've never felt weary because I always knew what I wanted." At the same time, he had an engineer's "nose" for the emerging technologies of the day.In the 1990s, object/component-oriented programming was in its early stages of development. Min Luo, who was employed at Conrail (Consolidated Rail Corporation) during that time, promptly grasped this technological concept. He meticulously sifted through a vast archive of company documents to construct a comprehensive model of a railway system, gaining profound insights into the intricate operational and managerial challenges of the railroad industry.Later, during his tenure at IBM, from his vantage point as Chief Architect, Min Luo harnessed the power of architecture and robust software engineering to address the evolving demands and technological shifts brought about by the rapid growth of the Internet. He adeptly translated real-world problems into the language of technology and skillfully applied appropriate technological solutions.With over three decades of professional experience and an extensive track record of published papers and monographs, Min Luo's capabilities speak for themselves. Upon retirement, he joined GTSI, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge and a passion for training the problem-solving engineers of the future. When offering advice to GTSI students, Min Luo shared a description that others had once used to characterize him: "intelligent no-nonsense doer."He remarked, "Regardless of the times, an engineer should possess a solid professional foundation, be an effective doer, and have the ability to truly solve problems. When others question your competence, do not underestimate yourself; instead, demonstrate your abilities through your work and your achievements."