At International Campus, Zhejiang University, it is common for undergraduates to immerse themselves in laboratory research. WU You, a graduating senior, epitomizes the success cultivated in this fertile academic soil—from leading a national innovation project to clinching a top national award, from rigorous lab exploration to cross-disciplinary academic exchanges. “The road is winding, but the future is bright. As long as we persist in exploring, everyone will have a bright future.” he remarks.
—— 吴悠 WU You ——
ZJU-UoE Institute, '21 Integrative Biomedical Sciences
Further study destination: Exam-exempted recommendation qualification for Excellence PhD Program at Institute for Translational Brain Research, Fudan University
National Innovation Project: Taking Root in the Lab
Over his four years at the International Campus, WU You’s research journey began with a formidable challenge—spearheading The China National University Student Innovation Program titled The Mechanisms of Chronic Cardiovascular Dysfunction Induced by Anxiety and Stress. Under the mentorship of Professor SHI Peng at the School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, he and his team embarked on this groundbreaking research from scratch.
“Back then, distinguishing between two neural nuclei required hours of literature review,” he chuckled, reflecting on his early naivety. Professor SHI Peng’s unwavering mentorship proved instrumental—from literature deep-dives and experimental design to data interpretation and result validation, he dedicated weekly sessions to collaborative brainstorming, meticulously refining proposals and defense materials, even demonstrating hands-on techniques like mouse cardiac perfusion and brain tissue dissection. Senior lab members also shared their expertise generously, providing step-by-step guidance to ensure experimental precision.
Beyond the lab’s nurturing environment, ZJE’s distinctive curriculum cemented their scientific rigor. Through systematic training, the team honed critical thinking and literature synthesis skills, while courses in logical reasoning enhanced their methodological discipline in experimental design and data analysis. This transformative journey, akin to a silent scholarly awakening, nurtured fledgling researchers through the synergy of theory and practice.
National Competition: From Lab Bench to Competitive Arena
Their relentless exploration not only culminated in project completion but also earned them a pinnacle moment at the 9th China Undergraduate Life Sciences Contest. Spanning over 400 days from June 2023 to July 2024, this scientific marathon became the defining chapter of Wu You’s undergraduate journey.
During the initial three months, the team collaborated closely with Professor SHI Peng and senior researchers, mastering the art of literature review and refining their experimental framework. They elevated their original project into Neural circuits underlying chronic stress-induced sympathetic hyperactivation and cardiovascular diseases.
In the experimental phase, the team adhered to meticulous protocols, documenting every step and outcome. Despite academic pressures, they prioritized research integrity, iteratively revising their thesis based on faculty feedback. Their efforts secured them second place at Zhejiang University, earning a spot in the national finals.
In the final stretch, WU You and his team perfected every detail: refining presentation slides through a dozen iterations, conducting daily mock presentations analyzed via video recordings with Professor SHI, and preparing supplementary materials for potential jury inquiries. Their relentless dedication culminated in a national first prize—an experience that honed their research acumen and underscored the power of collaboration and perseverance.
Academic Stage: Expanding Horizons Beyond the Lab
Beyond the lab, the International Campus offered a vibrant intellectual ecosystem. Wu You’s calendar brimmed with engagements like the Zijuan Youth Scholars Forum and the Chinese Institutes for Medical Research, Beijing, Winter Workshop, where he absorbed cutting-edge advancements in biomedicine, broadening his scholarly vision.
His exceptional performance secured him admission to Institute for Translational Brain Research, Fudan University and enrolled into Fudan University's Outstanding Doctoral Program. Armed with knowledge and experience from the International Campus, he strides confidently into this challenging yet exhilarating frontier.
Article and Photography: WU You
Editing: LI Songjiao
Editing in charge: LI Yinan
Reviewer: YANG Yi
Final Review: QU Haidong