Zhang Qifan is a UIC graduate from the Class of 2023. After studying for four years at UIC, he is prepared to embark on the next journey to Yale University.
Zhang Qifan
For Zhang, one of the attractions of UIC is its English teaching environment, because he believed that a language is not only about words and grammar, but communication and culture behind it.
Intrigued by the diversity of world cultures and ideas, he became a student of the Globalisation and Development Programme, where he could study with students and teachers from various countries, including the UK, Italy and South Korea.
Group photo of the Globalisation and Development Programme
UIC's staff and teachers showcased Zhang their enthusiasm and passion for scientific research. He mentioned Dr Zhang Qiaoyun, who led him to observe life from new angles with academic theories, and impressed him with her extensive knowledge of anthropology.
Zhang also expressed gratitude to Dr Edoardo Monaco, who had always responded quickly. For example, he once encountered difficulties in data processing and emailed Dr Monaco for help. Even though Dr Monaco had been at an off-campus academic conference, he talked with him for two hours after rushing back to straighten out his research ideas.
Zhang Qifan with Dr Edoardo Monaco
With help and encouragement from teachers, Zhang discovered his passion for academic study and published a paper on evolutionary psychology as the co-first author and papers in a journal related to biodiversity conservation and green development.
Zhang participated in many activities during his study time at UIC. He joined Yale's summer programme and learned about ethnographic research. He also interned at an NGO named China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation and led a team to compete in a national event, Innovation Creativity Entrepreneurship.
Zhang Qifan with group members of the Mentor Caring Programme (MCP)
At UIC, Zhang was a first-class scholarship winner for three consecutive years, and in the future, he will be a student of Yale's Master of Arts programme in East Asian Studies.
This fall, Zhang Qifan will be heading to Yale University. In the future, he will continue to carry the fond memories of UIC with him, witnessing every blossom and fruit-bearing.
From MPRO
Reporter: Cecilia Yu
Photos provided by the interviewee
Editor: Deen He
