CityUHK-Cambridge scholarship recipient shares inspiring journey in research and leadership

Since arriving at Cambridge in September 2025, Zhihao has enthusiastically embraced both his studies and his community. He was elected Vice President of the Postgraduate Student Union of LCC, the highest student leadership position available for the year. This achievement has enabled him to serve on both the Cambridge University Council and the LCC Council. In this role, Zhihao has been supported by Mr Girish Menon, President of LCC, and has worked to support fellow students, including helping them secure subsidies for daily living expenses that have eased their financial burdens.

Zhihao is now working on his graduate research under the mentorship of Professor Manish Chhowalla, collaborating alongside doctoral students. Professor Chhowalla is the Goldsmiths' Professor of Materials Science of the Department of Materials Science & Metallurgy at the University of Cambridge, as well as a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering. He is also actively engaging in opportunities to broaden his horizons and sharpen his leadership capabilities, including participating in the Future Global Leaders Programme (FGLP), jointly organised by LCC and CityUHK, which nurtures leaders who advocate for a sustainable future aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Looking back on his journey so far, Zhihao shared, “These past few months have taught me so much about conducting research across cultures and managing my time, and bringing together leadership with sustainability in meaningful ways. Very importantly, the opportunity to serve student communities has deepened my commitment to supporting peers, especially from less privileged or underrepresented backgrounds. It’s all been incredibly rewarding for my personal growth.”

When Zhihao reflected on his foundation at CityUHK, he spoke with deep gratitude about how the university shaped him for Cambridge and beyond. The academic environment did not just teach him physics but also awakened in him a passion for critical thinking and the rigour of research. He was especially grateful to Professor Zhang Ruiqin, Chair Professor of the Department of Physics and the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, and Professor Ren Yang, Head and Chair Professor of the Department of Physics, who nurtured his curiosity and believed in his potential. Further, CityUHK’s globally minded community prepared him culturally and emotionally for Cambridge’s diverse environment. The university's spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship has planted a seed in his heart that continues to grow. He said he is convinced that he wants his research to serve people and communities rather than mere advanced research. 

Zhihao is now excited to continue his academic journey and is applying for a PhD at CityUHK, with encouragement from his Cambridge supervisor, the LCC President, and professors back home. Beyond his studies, he aspires to strengthen links and exchanges between the two institutions through academic exchanges and joint research. His career goal is to become a professor at CityUHK and a tech entrepreneur who uses innovation to make a positive difference in people's lives.

CityUHK strives to offer students world-class learning opportunities at home and abroad. The CityUHK–Lucy Cavendish College Scholarship programme, which commenced in the 2025/26 academic year, supports up to 20 students annually to pursue master's degrees at Cambridge. CityUHK has also partnered with the Cambridge Judge Business School and the Cambridge School of Arts and Humanities to launch a variety of diverse scholarships, empowering students to reach their full potential and thrive professionally.