Q&A on my new role at the University of Edinburgh School of Engineering

Amid a flurry of farewell activities, I had the pleasure to answer questions for the Edinburgh School of Engineering newsletter.

1.??????? Congratulations on your new role! What excites you the most about leading the School?

Thank you. I am excited to join the University of Edinburgh, an institution with over 400 years of history, tradition, and a legacy of excellence. As a chemical engineering student, I was introduced early on to people from the University of Edinburgh who made lasting contributions. For example, William Rankine for whom the Rankine scale is named featured prominently in my very first chemical engineering class. Professor Rutherford Aris, who taught me advanced engineering mathematics at the University of Minnesota, began his distinguished academic journey here at Edinburgh.??

What excites me the most about leading the School of Engineering is the chance to collaborate with the talented and world-class researchers and educators within the School. The School is well-positioned to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges, particularly those outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For example, the one of a kind FloWave test facility I saw during my visit advances SDG7: affordable and clean energy. Moreover, it is great to see how the School’s strengths align well with the thematic areas identified by the College and University, particularly in AI and data science, health and life and climate and sustainability.?

2.??????? What has your academic and professional journey been so far?

My journey began in my mother’s lab at Nanjing University, where I first fell in love with the world of chemistry. After completing my bachelor’s degree at Nanjing University, I went to the University of Minnesota for my PhD, where I studied under Professors Matthew Tirrell and Ted Davis in collaboration with Professor Helmut Ringsdorf at the University of Mainz. Their mentorship not only honed my skills in research but also instilled in me a deep appreciation for international collaboration. I did my postdoctoral research with the leading electrochemist Professor Michael D Ward before starting my own academic career at Wayne State University.??

In 2020, an opportunity arose that I could not resist, leading the School of Chemical Engineering at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Sydney. Moving to Australia was a significant leap, not just geographically, but also professionally, especially during the challenging times of the COVID pandemic. Despite the challenges, we achieved remarkable milestones: a significant increase in research income, the establishment of new research hubs, and a renewed focus on industry engagement. We also reversed a declining trend in student enrolment, positioning the School for a bright future.?

Now, I am excited to bring my international experience to the University of Edinburgh’s School of Engineering and contribute to its legacy.?

3.??????? What are some of your major research interests and achievements?

My research focuses on applying nanoscience to address challenges in drug delivery and sensing. My team pioneered the use of neural tracing proteins for targeted drug delivery to the central nervous system. We recognised the need for a precise drug delivery strategy, so we turned to the very proteins that naturally navigate intricate pathways. By functionalising nanoparticles with these proteins, we were able to guide therapeutic agents to the targeted neurons, opening new doors for treating not only spinal cord injuries but other neurological diseases. Parallel to this, another research stream in my lab has focused on crystallisation at the nanoscale. We discovered a method to nucleate crystals using nanoparticle seeds, which provided a strategy for making nanosensors at scale directly on sensor chips. Several companies and government agencies have invested in our technology to bring it into the marketplace.?

Throughout these endeavours, I have collaborated with experts across disciplines. Since joining UNSW in 2020, I have co-authored papers with more than ten current and former colleagues. Our collective efforts are being recognised in a special issue of Advanced Materials that celebrates UNSW’s 75th anniversary, which I am co-editing with other UNSW colleagues.?

4.??????? What initiatives or changes do you plan to introduce in the School?

One of the aspects of leading the School of Engineering that excites me the most is the opportunity to shape its future. I believe that engineering education and research should not only respond to current challenges but also anticipate future needs. To advance this vision, there are some key areas to develop together.?

First, I aim to foster cross-disciplinary research and training, for example, in the area of health and life. Biomedical imaging, diagnostics, and drug delivery are at the intersection of engineering, medicine, and life sciences, and they hold potential for breakthroughs that can revolutionise healthcare. By bringing together experts from various disciplines, we can create a collaborative environment where ideas flow and innovative solutions emerge. We will not only enhance our research capabilities but also provide our students with the unique opportunity to work on innovative projects that have real-world impact.?

Secondly, I am passionate about building a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem within the School. Too often, groundbreaking research remains confined to the lab, without ever reaching the marketplace where it can make a difference. I want to change that by equipping our students and researchers with the skills and support they need to translate their research into commercial applications. This means offering specialised training programs, mentorship from industry leaders, and access to resources such as incubators and funding opportunities. By nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs, we can ensure that the innovative solutions developed within our School find their way into the hands of those who need them most.?

Finally, I believe in the integration of research and education. Let us create an environment where students are not just passive recipients of knowledge but active contributors to the creation of knowledge. This involves embedding research projects into the curriculum, encouraging students to engage with research early in their academic journey, and providing them with opportunities to work alongside academic researchers. By blurring the lines between research and education, we can create a dynamic learning experience that prepares our students to be leaders in their fields.?

I am excited to work with our talented staff, students, and industry partners to turn this vision into reality, ensuring that our School continues to lead the way in engineering education and research for years to come.?

5.??????? What challenges do you foresee in your new role?

One challenge I anticipate is managing the scale and diversity of the School. With many staff, a broad array of disciplines, and a student body from different backgrounds, ensuring that everyone feels supported, heard, and empowered is important. Balancing the needs and expectations of such a diverse community while maintaining the School’s high standards of excellence require strategic planning, clear communication, and a strong commitment to inclusivity.?

Other challenges include navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of engineering education and research, finding new revenue streams to support building renovation, and in meeting the growing expectation for our School to contribute solutions to global challenges. Finally, integrating interdisciplinary collaboration while maintaining the distinct strengths of each engineering discipline presents its own set of challenges. Encouraging people to work across traditional boundaries can lead to groundbreaking discoveries, but it also requires careful coordination and a shared vision.?

6.??????? How do you see your past experiences shaping your direction at our School?

My academic journey has taken me across four continents, where I have studied and worked at different institutions. These experiences have given me a broad perspective on how different academic systems operate, and what stands out are the shared values that bind us together as a global academic community.?

At the University of Edinburgh’s School of Engineering, I find the division into four disciplines for teaching and the seven research institutes particularly fascinating. This structure not only supports but also encourages cross-disciplinary collaborations, something I value. ?

My past experiences have shown me the power of collaboration. To address the greatest challenges?–?be it in energy, health, or sustainability?–?we must work together, leveraging our collective strengths while competing globally. I see my role at the School as one that will continue to support and expand our capacities for both disciplinary and interdisciplinary research and education, fostering an environment where collaboration is the norm, not the exception. By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, I believe we can achieve remarkable things.?

7.??????? Considering your many accolades, including a Fulbright Scholarship and being elected a fellow of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), what advice do you have for students, early career researchers and staff?

One of the most enriching experiences of my career was conducting my sabbatical at the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, supported by the Fulbright Program. This opportunity arose from an earlier experience I had as a visiting PhD student at Professor Helmut Ringsdorf’s lab at University of Mainz in Germany. I was deeply drawn to the high-quality research environment in German institutions, as well as the culture and language. These experiences not only advanced my research but also broadened my perspective and enriched my life in ways I had not anticipated.?

My advice to students and early-career researchers is to actively seek out learning and research opportunities to expand your professional network, gain exposure to different approaches and ideas, and grow both personally and professionally. The connections you make and the perspectives you gain will stay with you throughout your career.?

It is also important to remember that success comes from a combination of hard work, being good at what you do, and consistently adding value to your organisation and community. By focusing on these fundamentals and being open to the world around you, the recognition will follow, but more importantly, you will lead a fulfilling and impactful career.?

8.??????? Any thoughts you would like to share with staff at the School?

I cannot wait to join the School in September. Let’s work together to continue building on the School’s successes and to explore new opportunities for growth and innovation.?