22 Apr 2025
On April 16, 2025, the School of Science (SCI) at XJTLU hosted a vibrant and engaging welcome session for 61 first-year undergraduate students, who have chosen to pursue their studies within the exciting Bachelor of Science in Applied Chemistry in the Department of Chemistry and Materials Science (CMS). The event aimed to foster early connections between students and faculty, setting the stage for meaningful academic and research collaborations.
The session was led by Professor John Moraros, Dean of SCI, alongside nine faculty members, including Dr. Lifeng Ding (Acting Head of CMS), Prof. Xiaotai Wang, Prof. Heechae Choi, Dr. Meng Ding, Dr. Danlei Li, Dr. Filippo Boi, Dr. Tianhong Gu, Dr. Shane Lo Fan Hin, and Dr. Zhenghao Wu. Together, they welcomed the incoming cohort of students with enthusiasm, offering insights into the dynamic and interdisciplinary nature of the School’s programmes.
In his opening remarks, Dean Moraros encouraged students to seize the opportunities ahead, emphasizing the importance of being present, hard work, and active engagement in their academic journey. “This is more than just the beginning of your studies,” he said. “It’s the start of your involvement in a community of accomplished scholars, who will spark your intellectual curiosity, mentor you, and guide you toward scientific discovery, innovation, and collaboration.”
Each attending faculty member also shared insights into their teaching and ongoing research, offering students a glimpse into the wide spectrum of scientific inquiry taking place within the Department and School. Research areas spanned from innovative hydrocarbon chemistry to cutting-edge nanomaterials, battery technology, separation membranes, and AI-driven methods in chemical research.
A key highlight of the session was an introduction to the BSc Applied Chemistry program, accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) in the UK (first of its kind in China). Dr. Lifeng Ding provided an overview of the curriculum, academic pathways, and research opportunities available to students. He emphasized the program’s flexibility, designed to prepare graduates for exciting and impactful careers in science, technology, healthcare, and beyond.
Faculty members also shared insights into their ongoing cutting edge research projects, showcasing the wide spectrum of scientific inquiry within the School. These presentations highlighted the innovative work being done and also helped inspire students to explore how they could engage and contribute to these advancements during their time at SCI.
Professor Moraros took a moment to introduce all the faculty members present, and referred to others who were unable to attend in person, underscoring their significant contributions to the scientific community. He encouraged students to reach out to faculty members beyond the classroom, whether through lab work, independent study, or informal discussions, to build relationships that could shape their academic and professional trajectories.
“We want our students to know that our faculty are not only world-renowned scientists but also approachable and friendly mentors, who are eager to support you,” said Prof. Moraros. “This session is just the beginning, a catalyst for you to take ownership of your academic journey. You’ve been selected for our highly competitive programme because we see great potential in you. Now is the time to put in the work and effort, guided by our globally recognized faculty, to achieve your dreams.”
The welcome session exemplifies SCI’s strong dedication to fostering student engagement, interdisciplinary collaboration, and personalized mentorship. By creating an environment where students are empowered to explore, innovate, and lead, the School continues to produce graduates who excel on the global stage. Impressively, nearly half of SCI’s graduates go on to pursue advanced degrees at top 10 universities worldwide, while nearly every graduate secures admission to a top100 institution. As the new student cohort embarks on their academic journey in the exciting world of Chemistry, they do so with the support of a community of faculty scholars committed to nurturing their growth and success. The future looks bright for these budding scientists, and the School of Science stands ready to guide them every step of the way.
Content by: Dr Lifeng Ding
Review: Professor John Moraros
22 Apr 2025