UIC vigorously promotes scientific research to improve education quality while encouraging students to embrace new academic aspects and enhance their research capabilities through subject research. As a result, plenty of undergraduate graduates of 2021 have published papers in international journals, academic monographs, and international conferences. Among them is Zhang Zhen from Government and International Relations (GIR).

Improving anti-pressure ability while multi-tasking

Zhang Zhen from the Globalisation and Development Programme has been admitted for an MSc in China in Comparative  Perspective at the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Zhang Zhen

In February 2021, Zhang Zhen was the third author to published a paper in the academic book Covid-19 Pandemic, Crisis Responses and the Changing World published by Springer Nature.

In  his third year of college, due to his keen interest in related research  and excellent academic achievements, Zhang Zhen was invited to be an  assistant to the research project jointly carried out by Prof Zhao  Suisheng from the Josef Korbel School of International Studies of the  University of Denver, and Associate Dean (Research and Development) of  the Division of Humanities and Social Sciences of UIC Prof Zhao Xiaobin.

Zhang Zhen with the Programme Director of Globalisation and Development, Dr Edoardo Monaco

This  is the first time that Zhang Zhen has published a paper on a  professional academic platform. He said that he had received generous  help and guidance from his instructors. As a result, Zhang Zhen's  academic and analytical abilities have been greatly improved through the  paper writing and publication process.

Meanwhile,  Zhang Zhen has developed a strong ability to resist pressure on a  highly tight schedule. Zhang Zhen prepared for his Final Year Project,  took part in an internship, prepared for IELTS, and prepared for his  postgraduate study application all at the same time during the summer  vacation of his third year at UIC. Although the tight schedule has  brought tremendous pressure to him, he has made it to the end.

From MPRO

Reporter: Xia Meng

Editors: Samuel Burgess, Deen He, Covee Wang