“In these blink-of-an-eye four years at HIT, I experienced a fulfilling time full of warmth. Looking back, I continually explored the multidimensional paths of academics, competitions, and research. Gradually, I came to understand the meaning of perseverance. Along this journey, the HIT community—be they mentors or peers—used their ‘strict standards and meticulous work’ to help me shed my confusion and impatience. Moments of solitary determination, warm companionship, and breakthroughs have become the most cherished parts of this academic journey.”
—Zhang Xiaohan
Basic Background
Zhang Xiaohan, a Communist Party member and a 2026 graduate of the School of Future Technology, has won the National Scholarship and five first-class People’s Scholarships. She hosted a provincial Natural Science Fund undergraduate research project and applied for five national invention patents. As a project leader or core member, she won ten national awards in scientific innovation and academic competitions, including the National First Prize in the iCAN University Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition and the Silver Prize in the China International University Innovation Competition. A four-time winner of University Excellent Student and Excellent League Member titles, she was also an outstanding volunteer for the 9th Asian Winter Games, recognized by the Heilongjiang Provincial Department of Education. Her story has been featured in China Women’s Daily, Youth League Central Committee, Heilongjiang Youth League, and Xin Evening News.
Stepping into a New Chapter: Exploring Boundless Possibilities
When I first started university, I was full of enthusiasm and eager to try out every new possibility. I joined the “Future Voice” hosting team, served as a member in the Organizing Department of the College Student Union, became an assistant at the Student Affairs Office, and acted as the Class Publicity Officer, actively participating in various student activities and campus events. In the preparation of activities and teamwork, I genuinely felt warmth and a sense of belonging, while also honing my skills in problem-solving throughout the entire process, from planning to execution.
However, stepping into this new phase, I struggled to find a balance between my time and energy, which resulted in unsatisfactory academic performance during my freshman year. Faced with this gap, I found myself lost and doubting my abilities and state. Fortunately, I encountered incredible teachers and friends whose guidance turned what I once thought to be an overwhelming storm into a stream that nourished my university life.
Pursuing the Light: Gradual Improvement
In my sophomore year, I began balancing academic progress with exploration in scientific innovation. On one hand, I worked harder to study course knowledge and improve my GPA, while on the other, I stepped out of my comfort zone, engaging in research projects and academic competitions. I utilized the high-quality platforms provided by the college and university to explore interdisciplinary fields and continuously expand my skill set. By my junior year, during professional course study, my academic performance ranked second in the major, and my comprehensive evaluation ranked first. My solid professional knowledge laid a strong foundation for research, and the steady efforts instilled in me genuine confidence and direction.
Over these two years, I participated in research areas such as binocular SLAM algorithms, amphibious drones, and microbial electrochemical toxicity detection. My teachers and senior peers provided me with invaluable guidance, and teamwork with peers sparked creative ideas. I relished the fulfillment of learning something new every day. My days alternated between attending classes and working in the laboratory at night. It is impossible to count how many times we overturned project plans and reviewed logic or how many times we stayed up until dawn, only to start again through trial and error. Skills and results accumulated gradually, and innovation projects based on research outputs began to stand out in various competitions.
Breaking Boundaries, Deep Cultivation: Moving Forward with Determination
Through practice and experimentation, I identified the professional field I was genuinely interested in. Based on the discipline of material science, under the support and encouragement of my mentor, Professor Huang Lujun, I proactively applied for a major research project that diverged from existing directions within the research group to enhance my research capabilities and knowledge system. The journey of exploring a new direction was not smooth, but fortunately, my teachers and senior peers offered comprehensive support, from nurturing research thinking to constructing experimental frameworks.
Gradually, I discovered the path I truly loved and was suited for. Instead of blindly pursuing breadth, I focused on my research topic, concentrating on high-temperature deformation mechanisms of titanium alloys and titanium-based composite materials under the guidance of my mentor and senior peers. From solidifying my material science foundation to mastering various micro-characterization, performance testing, and data analysis techniques, I worked hard to refine my skills and develop a steady mind. By the end of 2025, I successfully secured a Youth Student (Undergraduate) Project from the Heilongjiang Provincial Natural Science Fund, and I am still dedicating myself to steady, in-depth research.
Never Resting: Looking Ahead to Mountains and Seas
After my academics and research settled into a stable rhythm, I dedicated myself to experiencing extracurricular activities as well. During my time at the university, I actively participated in various social practices and cultural events both on and off campus. I also had the opportunity to study abroad, broadening my horizons. Moreover, I had the honor of representing students and accompanying President Han on the stage of CCTV-1’s “Let’s Talk” program, exchanging ideas with outstanding young people from across China.
Among my extracurricular experiences, volunteer service has always held a significant place in my heart. Whether it was campus welcoming activities, various public service initiatives, or large-scale events like the China-Russia Expo and Provincial Games, I dedicated myself to volunteer work with passion. One of the most unforgettable experiences was volunteering for the 9th Asian Winter Games, where I took charge of logistic support at the opening and closing ceremony venue’s volunteer hub. Working long hours and sticking to my post allowed me to truly understand the responsibilities and significance of volunteer service while experiencing the fulfillment and joy that comes with giving back.
In addition to my busy schedule, I sought to enjoy life in different ways. During my free time, I enjoyed hiking, skiing, working out, and playing badminton to relax and adjust my state of mind through exercise. HIT’s comprehensive sports facilities and excellent campus resources provided a healthy environment for relaxation beyond academic and research activities, allowing our growth to embody both the spirit of hard work and the warmth of life.
All along my journey—from the initial attempts and explorations to the clarity of goals and dedicated research I achieve now—every step of growth at HIT has been driven by a core belief: “The path may be long and arduous, but walking forward will bring you closer to the goal.” Currently, I have been admitted to HIT for direct doctoral studies, and in the future, I will continue to stay true to my original intentions. I will walk steadfastly on my chosen path, honoring my youth and passion.
The mountains and seas are near, and the wind is gentle. The road has no end, and as I move forward, I gradually become a better version of myself.
