MEET OUR STUDENTS |
|
Name: |
Azi Fidelis |
Study program: |
PhD in Food Science & Engineering |
Country: |
Nigeria |
Scholarship: |
Talent Selection Program for Studying in Jiangsu (TSP) |
Period of studies at NAU: |
2018 – 2021 |
WHY NAU? |
Nanjing Agricultural University is one of the top-ranked universities in China and globally. It has an incredible research record in my major (Food Science & Engineering) and other majors, especially in agriculture and life sciences. Hence, my decision to come to NAU was mainly because of her academic reputation. However, my coming to NAU has opened my eyes to other important things about life beyond academics. Now I have a better connection to the world outside my country of origin, a greater understanding of the immeasurable benefits of living in a culturally diverse society. More interestingly, I have learned more about Chinese people and culture. |
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT BEING A STUDENT AT NAU? |
The NAU degree programs train students on practical knowledge and skills that equip them for life after graduation in a fast-paced, dynamic, and competitive world. This is one of the things I like the most about being a student at NAU. |
WHAT ARE YOUR CHALLENGES IN YOUR STUDY PROGRAM? |
Initially, transitioning from life and living in my country to a “new way of life” in China was daunting. I struggled with the language, learning new laboratory procedures, and operating new laboratory equipment. My Chinese labmates were very helpful to me in overcoming these challenges. I thank my supervisor (Professor Dong Mingsheng) for being kind and understanding and my labmates Zhiyu Li and Chuanhai Tu for their tremendous support during my time at NAU. |
HOW DO YOU THINK YOUR DEGREE WILL HELP YOU IN YOUR LIFE AND CAREER? |
The academic and career skills I have acquired within the three years of my PhD study at NAU have placed me on the path to the top of my career soon. My new research direction is synthetic biology focusing on microbial metabolic engineering for manufacturing value-added compounds. I will be moving to Guangdong Province for my post-doctoral research in a few days. There is literally no limit to what I can achieve in my career in the near future, courtesy of the skills I acquired at NAU. |
DO YOU HAVE ANY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE STUDENTS AT NAU? |
Stay focused, start your research work as early as possible, pay great attention to your research design, work positively with your supervisor and labmates and strive to leave pleasant memory of your time at NAU. |