My name is Zhiwei Zhang and I am a fourth-year Science student that has received the Faculty of Science Scholarship. I am currently enrolled in the Quantitative Biology program, which is a multi-disciplinary major comprised of biology and its relevant applications in mathematics, physics, and computer science. Being passionate in all these areas, I have developed great interests in this major once I learned about it, as I am always looking forward to applying biological concepts in another field. As it has become a technology-oriented world, bioinformatics and bionics are on the rise in demand. I hope by the end of my program I would be able to develop something cool using the knowledge I acquired during my study here. I like exploring as well. Last year, I went on a field study semester to the Canadian High Arctic and followed by an exchange semester to University College London. These two experience greatly broadens my horizons. I am especially fond of the Arctic Field Semester organized by the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Department of Geography. Within a group of 7 people, we flew up to 79Β°N in the high Arctic cycle, where we are surrounded by glaciers, mountains, and to my surprise, a vivid diversity of life. In the summer, the Arctic defrosts and is home to many migrating shorebirds, predators, and rejuvenated arthropods. During our time up there, we covered glaciology, climates, and geology while maintaining our base camp. By the end, the group of students formed a great bond with each other and are both planning to pursue a career-relevant to the Arctic in the future. I used this experience to secure a field assistant job in ecosystem monitoring in the Igloolik island (which is also in the Arctic) the following summer. My trip to London is equally exciting. Being immersed in a university that differs in both culture styles allow me to walk out of my comfort zone and explore the new area. And contrary to the popular beliefs, summer in London is quite pleasant with fabulous sunshine and breezing weather.
I am grateful for your generous support to the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Faculty of Science. I sometimes dwell in great doubt of the path I am pursuing and questioning whether it would yield me a feasible career when I graduate. Receiving your sponsored award is one way of reassuring me that I am making efficient use of my time and doing something meaningful during my four years in the undergrad. I will continue following my heart down the road and looking forward to what it can bring me in the future.