Graduates | 陈嘉杭：结缘广以，爱我所爱
流年似水，岁月如歌。今年六月，广东以色列理工学院即将迎来首届毕业生。自本周起，我们将陆续推送广以2017级本科毕业生系列采访，聆听这四年来他们与广以的故事，共同见证广以学子们的成长。
今天分享的是生物技术与食品工程专业毕业生陈嘉杭的故事。
姓名：陈嘉杭
毕业高中：汕头市金山中学
本科专业：生物技术与食品工程
作为广以的第一届学生，陈嘉杭没有想到，结缘广以会给她带来如此意义非凡的成长。
“我是汕头本地人，高中的时候得知国际知名的理工科院校以色列理工学院中国校区就在汕头。从那个时候起，我就对广以充满期待。后来选择报读广以，一是考虑到不出家门便能接受到来自全球顶尖理工科院校的教学资源和师资力量，获得与在其他大学不一样的国际化体验，这一点是非常吸引我的。另一个重要原因是广以有我喜欢的生物技术与食品工程专业。经过这四年，我更加坚信了当初的选择并没有错！”
秉持初心，坚持心中所爱
“我在高中就对生物这门课感兴趣，平常自己喜欢烘焙，享受面包慢慢膨胀、散发香气的过程，同时更好奇其中的原理。”怀揣初心，陈嘉杭在广以开启了一段探索心中所爱的知识之旅。
经过这四年的学习，陈嘉杭发现生物技术与食品工程专业是一个综合性强、社会需求大的专业。
“我之前也听不少人说生物类专业都是‘天坑’，也为此感到迷茫。但是入学以后，我发现所学专业的全称是‘生物技术与食品工程’，跨越了理科和工科，从理论延伸到应用，是以色列理工学院的跨学科优势专业。据教授介绍，全世界没有几家大学能开出这样的专业。实际上，生物技术与食品工程都是人类社会离不开的学科。人类从几千年前就会酿酒，但并不清楚里面涉及的食品生物技术。现在随着技术的发展，人们在慢慢了解原理的同时，也在进一步研发新的产品，提高人类生活质量。生物技术也是同理，在新冠大流行下，病毒的快速检测也离不开生物技术的发展。”
大学四年，陈嘉杭抓住各种实习和参与科研项目的机会，让自己可以离热爱的生物和食品相关领域更近一些。
大二暑期，陈嘉杭在教授的推荐下到汕头本地一家食品相关的公司实习，那段实习经历使她对食品研发和生产有了更加深入的了解。“后来在学校举办的First conference of BFE- Partners in Biotechnology& Food Engineering上，老师还鼓励我作为实习过的学生代表在会议上分享自己的实习经历。这是我第一次在那么多领域相关的老师们面前演讲，是一段很宝贵的经历。”
陈嘉杭在大三暑假和大四上学期参与了一个关于“提升姜黄素在乳液里的生物利用度”的研究项目。“我和搭档从零开始查阅文献，大约花了一个月的时间，再设计实验步骤以及确认需要采购的实验材料，学习了一些仪器的使用。这段经历使我阅读查找文献的速度和能力得到很大提升，也提高了我设计实验流程和操作常用仪器的能力。”
陈嘉杭表示，她这四年里需要学习的科目非常广泛，除了学习生物技术以及食品相关的专业课之外，还需要学习基础高等数学、化学、流体力学等。“这些知识慢慢地在我的脑海中形成了一个交织的网络，为我未来的学习打下了坚实的基础。”
“让我印象最深的一门课应该是大三上学期的Food Microbiology这门课。在实验课里我们亲手制作了不同盐浓度的酸黄瓜、自己酿造红酒，并记录他们每周的状态，比如监测腌黄瓜的亚硝酸盐浓度、红酒中细菌含量等。这让我感受到传统技术与现代科学的结合。虽然这些食物由来已久，但是后人会精益求精，不断提升质量与品质。这门课也是让我决定选择食品方向的原因。”
从内向到勇敢，在迷茫中成长
“从一无所知的迷茫到清晰的规划”，这是陈嘉杭对自己大学生涯的概括。
“高中时我的英语成绩还是不错的，但是大一刚开始还是有点适应不了全英教学，所以那段时间比较迷茫，光顾着适应英文教学，对自己大学四年的计划一无所知。”
陈嘉杭表示自己以前是一个非常内向的人，但来了广以之后，自己的性格发生了很大的变化。“一开始，即使遇到不懂的问题，我也不敢向老师提问。但是这四年里教授一直鼓励我们提出问题，不要害怕犯错。在这种氛围下，我也开始敢于面对面或者发邮件向教授请教问题，直到自己弄清楚为止。”
嘉杭很感激广以优秀的同学们，“我们同学之间的学习氛围也很好，遇到有困难的作业，大家会互相讨论，提出自己的看法。多与同学交流，也让我在交谈中慢慢确定自己每一步应该怎么走。”
嘉杭很快从刚入校的迷茫无措中调整过来，习惯了英语学习思维，养成了预习复习的习惯，学会主动提问弄清楚不懂的知识，对自己大学四年的目标也逐步变得清晰起来。“大二暑假我一次就考到了雅思目标分数，也完成了实习；大三暑假参与了科研活动，确定了自己的目标学校。虽然失去了自由自在的假期，但是我的目标也一个个完成了。”
在沉淀中收获，我与学校共成长
经过四年的学习，陈嘉杭更加确定了自己喜欢和擅长的是食品领域，也更加坚定了在这个领域继续探索求学的决心。目前，嘉杭已经“收割”了来自世界知名院校食品相关专业发出的“橄榄枝”，包括瓦赫宁根大学、爱丁堡大学、香港科技大学、荷兰阿姆斯特丹自由大学等。
谈及自己在申请院校的优势，陈嘉杭表示这与学校实力和语言能力关系紧密。
“作为广以的第一届学生，我曾经很担心不被认可，担心申请不到顶尖学校，但事实证明我的顾虑是多余的。在实际申请时，我发现以色列理工学院的实力和院校背景是广受认可的。”
前不久申请研究生院校的经历，让陈嘉杭更加深刻地认识到作为广以学生的优越性。
“瓦赫宁根大学的食品类专业长期执世界牛耳，在申请之前，我就了解到这所学校对一般院校申请者GPA的要求是90分以上，而我的GPA只是85以上，没有达到90，加上广以又是新学校，那时候很担心这一点。11月的时候我投递了申请，半个月后收到拒信，理由是GPA too low。后来，我向瓦大写信，表明我们同时也是以色列理工学院的学生，无论是授课还是考试，标准都是一样的。我还在以色列理工学院的网站上截图自己的成绩单发送给对方，表明自己在以色列理工学院的学籍。
在我发送申诉信的第二天，瓦大便给我发来了两个食品相关专业的offer。据我了解，后来瓦大对广以学生的GPA要求都做了相应的调整。所以说，以色列理工学院这个背景，让我得到了去食品专业顶尖的学府学习的机会，拿到了dream school的offer！”
陈嘉杭表示，广以的全英教学模式对她的帮助特别大。“经过四年的锻炼，我的听说读写能力都得到很大提高。这在考雅思的时候感觉非常明显，我自己只考了一次便达到目标分数。据我所知，学校还有许多雅思托福取得高分的同学。”
作为广以的第一届学生，嘉杭对学校有着很深的感情。“我们是跟着学校一起成长的，看着自己和学校在一点一滴地共同进步，这是一件很奇妙的事情。”
毕业在即，陈嘉杭为广以的学弟学妹们提供了不少宝贵的建议。
“希望大家可以珍惜点滴的时间，珍惜改变的机会，这也是我给自己的座右铭。在广以的生活绝不算轻松，永不停歇的report和project、一整周满满的课表、难度不小的期末考······但如果大家决心继续深造，就千万不要在任何一个学期放松学业，对升学要有一个清晰的计划——什么时间考雅思托福GRE、什么时间实习科研、什么时候开始选择目标学校等等，这些都是要提早规划好的。大二大三的暑期不要浪费，可以学学英语、找找实习或科研，争取丰富自己的经历。”
This June, the first cohort students will graduate from Guangdong Technion - Israel Institute of Technology. Starting from this week, we will publish a series of interviews with the graduates from Class 2021 to show their stories with GTIIT in the past four years.
Here is the story about Chen Jiahang, a student of Class 2021 from Biotechnology and Food Engineering Program.
Name：Chen Jiahang
High school：Jinshan High School, Shantou
Program：Biotechnology and Food Engineering
For Chen Jiahang, studying at GTIIT is a meaningful journey in her life.
"As a native of Shantou City, I learned that Technion-Israel Institute of Technology opened its China campus in Shantou when I was in high school. Since then, I have been looking forward to studying at GTIIT for the following reasons. Firstly, it is attractive that without leaving my hometown, I could receive world-class teaching and have an international studying experience, as compared to other universities. Secondly, Biotechnology and Food Engineering is my favorite program. After four years, I am sure that I had made the right choice."
Follow my heart and adhere to my dream
"I have been interested in biology since my high school years. I like baking and I enjoy the process of bread baking. What’s more, I'm curious about the principle of it." With her curiosity and aspiration, Chen Jiahang started to explore the knowledge in the field of biotechnology and food engineering.
After four years’ study, Jiahang found that Biotechnology and Food Engineering is a program with strong demand.
"I have heard that food and biology programs are not popular and I used to feel confused about this. However, after studying at GTIIT, I found that my major "Biotechnology and Food Engineering Program" combines both science and engineering disciplines and it focuses on not only theory but also application. This interdisciplinary program is one of the most popular and prestigious programs at the Technion. According to my professors, only a few universities in the world could have such a program.
Gradually, I find that biotechnology and food engineering program is significant in human society. Humans have been making wine for thousands of years, but it's still unclear what food biotechnology-related knowledge is involved. With the development of technology, people are slowly figuring out the principle, developing new products and trying to improve the quality of life at the same time. We can also see that biotechnology is essential for effective detection of the virus amid the COVID-19 outbreak."
During the four years at GTIIT, Chen Jiahang has seized every opportunity to participate in internships programs and scientific research projects, to learn more about the food-related fields.
In the summer vacation of her sophomore year, Chen Jiahang worked as an intern in a local food company in Shantou recommended by her professor. That internship experience enabled her to have a deeper understanding of food research and production. "After the internship, I was encouraged by my professor to share my experience as a student representative in the First Conference of BFE- Partners in Biotechnology & Food Engineering held at GTIIT. It was the first time for me to speak in front of so many professionals, and it was a valuable experience."
In the summer vacation of Jiahang’s junior year and the first semester of her senior year, she participated in a scientific research project on "Improving the Bioavailability of Curcumin in Emulsion". "My partner and I did the literature review, spent about one month designing the experiment and confirming the experimental materials needed to be purchased, and I learned how to use the instruments. This experience greatly improved my speed and ability to read and search literature, as well as my ability to design experiments and operate commonly used instruments."
Jiahang said that she had to learn a wide range of subjects during the four years. In addition to biotechnology and food-related courses, she also needed to learn the subjects about basic advanced mathematics, chemistry, fluid mechanics, etc. "This knowledge has gradually formed a network in my mind, which has laid a solid foundation for my future study."
"The course that impressed me most was Food Microbiology in the first semester of my junior year. In the lab class, we made pickles with different salt concentrations and wine by ourselves, and recorded their weekly status, such as monitoring the concentration of nitrite in pickles and the content of bacteria in red wine. The course made me feel the charm of the combination of traditional technology and modern science. Although the food itself seems normal, future generations still strive for perfection and improve the quality constantly. This class has also become the driving force for me to choose food-related programs for my graduate study.
Grow up from-confusion
"From the confusion of knowing nothing to have a clear plan", this is Chen Jiahang's summary of her university life.
"I usually got good grades in English when I was in high school, but at the beginning of my freshman year at GTIIT, I couldn't get used to English teaching environment. I was confused at that time. The only thing I did was trying to get used to English teaching, and never thought about my plan of the university life at that time."
Chen Jiahang said that she used to be a very introverted person, but after studying at GTIIT, her personality had changed a lot.
"At first, I was afraid to ask questions even if I didn't understand what teachers said in class. While in the four years, we have been encouraged by our professors to ask questions and not be afraid of making mistakes. Gradually, I began to ask professors questions face to face or by email until I figured them out."
What’s more, Jiahang was very grateful to her classmates at GTIIT. "Whenever we meet with difficulty in study, we will discuss with each other and put forward our own views. The more I talk with my classmates, the more clear goals I can make for my future."
Jiahang quickly adjusted from the confusion by getting used to thinking as native English speakers, developing the habit of preview and review and asking questions actively to clarify the knowledge she didn’t understand.
Gradually, she became clear about her goals for the four years in the university. "In the summer vacation of my sophomore year, I got my IELTS target score and also completed my internship. In the summer vacation of my junior year, I participated in scientific research project and determined my target university for further study. Although I lost my free holiday, my goals were accomplished one by one."
Make progress with GTIIT
After four years study, Chen Jiahang becomes more confident that she is interested in biotechnology and food engineering and she has made up her mind to continue her study in food-related fields. By now, Jiahang has received offers of food-related programs from world renowned universities, including Wageningen University & Research, University of Edinburgh, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and Vrije University Amsterdam.
When asked about her advantages in applying for graduate programs, Jiahang said it was the strength of GTIIT and Technion and her English ability.
"As a first cohort GTIIT student, I was worried about not being recognized and failing to apply for top universities, but it turned out that my worries were unnecessary. I came to realize that the Technion is an world renown university of science and technology and the Technion degree is internationally recognized.
The experience of applying for graduate school not long ago made Chen Jiahang realize the advantage of being a GTIIT student.
"Wageningen University & Research has long been world-renowned for its food-related programs. Before I applied for it, I learned that the GPA required by this university for applicants from none-recognized universities is above 90, but my GPA is only above 85. Besides, I worried about that GTIIT was too young to be recognized. I submitted my application in November 2020 and received a rejection letter half a month later because my low GPA. Later, I wrote to WUR to demonstrate that GTIIT students shared the same standards for teaching and exams as students in the Technion. I also sent them a screenshot of my transcript on Technion’s website to prove I was indeed registered as a Technion student.
On the second day after I sent the appeal letter, WUR sent me two offers from food-related programs. As far as I know, the GPA requirement for GTIIT students was changed to 85 points later on. Therefore, with the strong academic background and strength of the Technion, I got the offers from my dream university and got the opportunity to study in a university with famous food-related programs!"
Chen Jiahang said that she has benefited a lot from the English teaching environment at GTIIT. "After four years training, my listening, speaking, reading and writing skills have been greatly improved. This was evident in the IELTS test. I only took one test to achieve my target score. As far as I know, there are many GTIIT students who have got high scores in IELTS and TOEFL."
As the first cohort of GTIIT students, Jiahang has a deep feeling for the university. "We grew up with GTIIT, and it was amazing to eyewitness our progress."
Chen Jiahang has very valuable advice for the current junior students.
"I hope you can cherish your time and every opportunity to make changes and this is also my motto. Studying at GTIIT is not easy. We have countless reports and projects, busy schedules and difficult exams. However, if you are determined to undertake your graduate study, just work hard in every semester and have a clear plan. You need to arrange everything in advance, such as getting the target IELTS/ TOEFL/ GRE scores, deciding your dream university, etc. Don't waste your summer vacations in your sophomore and junior years. Try to enrich your experience by learning English, doing internships or participating in scientific research projects."
文: GTIIT传媒与公共事务部
图：陈嘉杭、GTIIT传媒与公共事务部
Text: GTIIT News & Public Affairs
Photos: Chen Jiahang, GTIIT News & Public Affairs