06 Jul 2026
Congratulations to Shaohua Yang, a 2026 graduate of the MRes Advanced Chemical Sciences programme in the School of Science, on being selected for sponsorship under the China Scholarship Council (CSC) programme to pursue doctoral study overseas.
He has also received a fully funded PhD offer from Dalhousie University in Canada, as well as an offer from the University of Liverpool through the joint scholarship programme between the CSC and the University of Liverpool.
From the Workplace to Postgraduate Study at XJTLU
After completing his undergraduate degree in 2021, Shaohua Yang joined a well-known US-based polymer materials company as an Application Engineer. During his work, he developed a strong interest in understanding changes in the properties of polymer materials from a microscopic perspective and applying this understanding to solve practical problems involving material applications. However, because of the limitations of his undergraduate knowledge, he was unable to fully answer many of the questions he encountered. He therefore decided to leave his job and pursue master’s and doctoral degrees in chemistry or materials science.
Following a successful application, he joined the MRes Advanced Chemical Sciences programme in the School of Science at XJTLU in September 2024. He said he chose XJTLU for several reasons: the excellent faculty in the Department of Chemistry and Materials Science; the application-based admissions process, which suited a working professional who had limited time to prepare for China’s national postgraduate entrance examination; the English-medium teaching environment, which helped prepare him for doctoral study overseas; and a 30% tuition fee reduction awarded by the University in recognition of his previous academic and professional background.
Rigorous Research Training and a Multidimensional Learning Environment
XJTLU’s master’s programmes allow students to select research areas according to their interests. Shaohua therefore joined Professor Heechae Choi’s theoretical and computational research group. His research project used first-principles calculations to investigate the catalytic hydrogenation mechanisms of indole on different transition-metal surfaces and to explain the differences in their catalytic performance.
Group photo of Professor Heechae Choi’s research group at the GCIM 2025 Conference in South Korea
In Professor Choi’s group, Shaohua received rigorous and highly valuable research training. He developed a solid understanding of physical chemistry, density functional theory, and surface catalysis, as well as the ability to use first-principles calculations to simulate heterogeneous catalytic reactions at the atomic scale. This strong research background helped him successfully pass subsequent PhD interviews and secure opportunities to pursue doctoral study overseas.
Shaohua Yang and Professor Heechae Choi during an industrial visit to Cobetter in Hangzhou
In addition to systematic research training, students in Professor Choi’s group are provided with numerous opportunities for academic exchange. Shaohua attended academic conferences and industrial visits on Jeju Island in South Korea, at Soochow University, and at Cobetter Filtration Equipment Co., Ltd. in Hangzhou. These academic and industrial activities broadened his research perspective, helped him connect theoretical research more closely with practical industrial needs, and enhanced his opportunities for further study and employment.
Professor Heechae Choi’s research group at a group dinner
Experience in Applying for PhD Programmes
Through the PhD application process, Shaohua developed several reflections that he hopes may be useful for other master’s students interested in pursuing doctoral study overseas.
Start planning as early as possible. PhD applications often require time to identify research directions, contact potential supervisors, prepare application materials, and get ready for interviews.
Face-to-face communication is often more effective than contacting potential supervisors online. When attending academic conferences or lectures organised by the School, students should confidently approach suitable academics and seek opportunities for further discussion. They should be prepared to present and discuss their research projects. Even without particularly outstanding research results at that stage, a student’s understanding of their current research can be communicated directly and effectively during an in-person conversation or interview.
Whether applying for a PhD or a job, candidates are more likely to succeed when their academic background and technical skills closely match the requirements of the position.
Maintain a positive and balanced mindset, enjoy life, and accept that setbacks and failures are unavoidable.
Consider practical factors such as visa policies, living environment, and long-term development plans when choosing a country or region for doctoral study.
Finally, Shaohua would like to express his sincere gratitude to Professor Heechae Choi, Professor Li Yang, Dr Qiuchen Dong, Dr Lifeng Ding (Head of Department), Dr Qian Zhang, and everyone else who supported and assisted him during his postgraduate studies at XJTLU.
Written by: Shaohua Yang
Review:Professor Heechae Choi,
Professor John Moraros
Editor：Luyao
06 Jul 2026