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PhD leads alumnus to academic research career

PhD leads alumnus to academic research career

Published: 13 Mar 2023

Zhechen Zhu

Brunel provided me with the skills needed for my journey into an academic research career

Zhechen, Research, Alumni

Associate Professor, Soochow University

Electronic and Electrical Engineering PhD - 2014

From China

Previous Institution

University of Liverpool -

Tell us about your career journey since you graduated…

Since graduating from Brunel, I joined Soochow University as an Associate Professor.

What does a typical day at work involve for you?

My daily work involves conducting research work, delivering lectures on several subjects, supervising master’s and undergraduate students, and other administrative work.

What’s been the highlight of your career so far?

I have accumulated research grant funding of around 600,000 RMB from both government and industrial sources.

How would you say Brunel helped you to get where you are today?

Brunel provided me with the skills needed for my journey into an academic research career.

Why did you choose to study at Brunel and why would you recommend Brunel to others?

I chose Brunel because of my PhD supervisor Prof. Asoke Nandi. He is very reputable in the research community and known to provide great guidance for his PhD students.

What is your best memory of studying here?

Connecting with different people (staff and students) is my best memory of Brunel.

If you could give one piece of advice to new students, what would that be?

Pursuing a postgraduate degree is well worth it, not just for the knowledge and skills, but more importantly, a proper mindset when approaching any problems in life.

What would be your top tip or advice for new graduates as they begin their career journey?

Keep your connection with the people you met at university.

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