Zhang Wenpeng

- 24’ Undergraduate student in Computer Engineering at ZJUI 

- Awarded third prize in the 13th National College Student Mathematics Competition

- Earned honors like Zhejiang Provincial Government Scholarship and the Zhejiang University First-Class Scholarship, etc.

- Multiple-time recipient of honors like "Excellent Student" of Zhejiang University, as well as "Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Award," "Academic Excellence Award," and "Student Leadership Award."

Future plans: pursuing a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering at the California Institute of Technology.

Let’s listen to her shining story at ZJUI! 

Embracing Youth While Striving towards the Light

Four summers ago, Zhang Wenpeng stepped into ZJUI with overflowing joy and curiosity. The serene lake, blooming flowers, and elegant architecture captivated her instantly. The morning sun that day was warm and vibrant, like the flames of youth, igniting her hopes for the academic journey she was about to embark on at ZJUI.

▲ Beautiful campus scenery photographed by Zhang Wenpeng

"The independent living environment and well-equipped research facilities here have provided me with many opportunities for self-learning and exploration," Zhang Wenpeng shared. In terms of self-study, she has her own strategies. First, she clearly delineates the boundaries between entertainment and learning on smart devices; for instance, her phone is strictly for entertainment and communication, while her computer and iPad are dedicated to studying. Especially during periods like finals, she chooses not to bring her phone to the library to create a pure learning environment. Additionally, she proactively engages with classmates to exchange ideas, drawing inspiration from their effective learning methods and lifestyles. She finds that discussing difficulties with peers often sparks new insights, humbly noting, "Many of my classmates have insights and skills in computer science or other fields that far exceed mine. Interacting with them brings me new understanding and rewards."

▲ Zhang Wenpeng participating in a company visit organized by the institute

Zhang Wenpeng’s outstanding performance can be attributed not only to her strong self-management skills but also to ZJUI’s unique educational philosophy and inclusive culture. ZJUI's diverse courses and rich research opportunities focus not just on theoretical knowledge but also emphasize practical application. "The free academic environment and international atmosphere at ZJUI have shaped and nurtured my ability for independent thinking and critical analysis, allowing me to adapt quickly to new environments and to grow more maturely and confidently in my future studies," Zhang Wenpeng shared.

Now, with her relentless effort and determination, Zhang Wenpeng has received an acceptance letter to the Electrical Engineering program at the California Institute of Technology. She expressed that her time at ZJUI was never wasted, stating that once you arrive here, you will inevitably fall in love with everything about ZJUI and become driven to continuously grow and improve.

Rooted in Research While Basking in the Light

In addition to her exceptional self-learning abilities, Zhang Wenpeng continuously seeks to engage in research. Leveraging ZJUI's interdisciplinary and integrated international research platforms, she served as a research assistant for the ENVISION project, directed by Prof. Minjoo Lawrence Lee at UIUC's Holonyak Micro-Nano Laboratory, during her junior year exchange. In a study aimed at enhancing night vision device performance, she utilized rapid thermal annealing (RTA) technology to minimize defects in heterojunction phototransistors (HPT) and LED materials, employing photoluminescence measurements and a range of testing methods to meticulously evaluate sample performance. She was also responsible for the photolithography segment of the LED manufacturing process, mastering cleanroom operation techniques such as metal deposition, wet etching, MBE growth, metal liftoff, and oxygen plasma etching. This research experience left a lasting impression on Zhang Wenpeng, who happily remarked, “It’s a rare opportunity for an undergraduate to personally experience the chip manufacturing process. During this journey, I transitioned from theoretical studies to hands-on experience.”

▲ LED quality testing equipment used by Zhang Wenpeng in experiments

▲ Wafer made by Zhang Wenpeng

At the same time, she participated in the cleanroom process development project for V-groove etching in silicon optical fibers led by Prof. Lynford L. Goddard at UIUC Holonyak Micro-Nano Laboratory. After training on various cleanroom equipment, including Heidelberg uPG101, Oxford PECVD, and DektakXT, she formulated experimental protocols for the project, investigating optimal lithography and etching conditions. Based on the experimental results, she proposed actionable solutions to the methodology's shortcomings. Through her deep involvement in practical research, she gradually developed critical skills essential for research work, such as effective collaboration and synchronizing experimental processes and experiences. These skills have illuminated her path into research and will play a vital role in her future academic and professional career.

▲ Zhang Wenpeng in a lab coat to conduct experiments in cleanroom

Zhang Wenpeng explained, “Research practice differs from theoretical knowledge acquired in the classroom. Most exam questions have fixed answers, whereas research topics require continuous exploration and experimentation. Even upon finding a workable answer, it doesn’t signify the end, as there may still be more efficient and refined solutions to discover.” Research practice and theoretical learning are akin to sunlight and rainfall, both nurturing the seeds of knowledge, allowing Zhang Wenpeng to grow continuously and reach for new academic heights.

Embracing Diversity While Pursuing Light

Immersed in the diverse student activities and volunteer work at ZJUI, Zhang Wenpeng found immense fulfillment and satisfaction, which infused her extracurricular time with a rich cultural spirit, balancing the stress that comes with studying. During the summer vacation in her freshman year, she joined a social practice team from the International Campus, Zhejiang University to provide educational support in the Hui ethnic community of Lingtang, Gaoyou City, Jiangsu Province. When discussing her motivation for participating in this initiative, Zhang Wenpeng reflected on her childhood. Growing up in the bustling city of Shenzhen, she often heard her parents from Xinjiang recount their past life of poverty and the unique culture of their ethnic community. This instilled in her a deep awareness of the world's vastness and the diversity of life. Thus, when she learned about the opportunity to engage in voluntary teaching in Lingtang, she eagerly signed up, driven by her longing for multicultural experiences.

During her teaching time, Zhang Wenpeng was responsible for science classes. She introduced the critical concept of controlled variables in research in a simple and understandable manner, creating a positive learning environment filled with engaging stories and interactive activities. Her classes became both informative and enjoyable, earning her high praise from her students. Despite the challenging conditions of the teaching experience, it deepened her understanding of the significance and value of education. She hopes that once she can help open a window for children living outside urban areas, allowing them to glimpse the wonders of the world. At the end of the teaching program, the students at the local Hui Experimental Primary School bid a heartfelt farewell to her. Zhang Wenpeng shared that a voice within her always says, “Chasing light, and you are the light that illuminates others.”

▲ Zhang Wenpeng (first from the right) took a photo with local students during his teaching support period

While serving as the Head of the Technology Department of the Youth League Committee at the International Campus, she noticed that many students struggled to find suitable teammates due to poor communication channels for competition information, which limited their growth and development. To facilitate smoother communication among students regarding competitions and to create a bridge for mutual support, Zhang Wenpeng leveraged the new competition platform developed by the Committee for team formation and information exchange. She led her department in regularly organizing and updating competition information to minimize the information gap among students, providing them with direct and efficient assistance. Additionally, she initiated experience-sharing sessions, inviting award-winning seniors to share their valuable insights and experiences, thus supporting and guiding students interested in participating in competitions.

Zhang Wenpeng is diligent and self-motivated in her studies, proactive in student work, enhancing her communication and teamwork skills, and passionate about volunteer activities, continuously gaining and improving from various experiences. Through her actions, she demonstrates that those who pursue light will eventually shine brightly.

Advice for ZJUIers:

1. Maintain good habits for sleep and lifestyle. Adequate rest and a healthy diet are essential for a positive mental state. Students can benefit from reading a book before bedtime to help calm their minds; at the same time, it’s important to eat healthily and avoid overeating. A healthy body serves as the foundation for innovative thinking; only when you are physically well can you continuously deepen your knowledge and enrich your spiritual world.

2. Lowering expectations can alleviate anxiety. Many students set goals for themselves and hope for better outcomes. However, sometimes due to personal or external factors, there’s a worry about failing to meet those expectations, leading to anxiety. In such times, it may be helpful to adjust the mindset of impatience and to lower expectations, thereby reducing the stress brought by negative emotions like anxiety.

3. Feeling pain is an indication of transformation. Every painful experience has the potential to empower you to become a better person. When faced with difficulties, students should not shrink back out of fear; clearing the haze is necessary to see the light.

Let's cheer for our ZJUIers together!