Meng Huang PhD Optical Engineering

The QS rank of the University of Southampton is very good. The optoelectronic research centre of the University where I'm studying for my PhD is very famous around the world. The optical amplifier as the key brick of modern communication fibre network was invented here.

Why did you choose to study at the University of Southampton?

The QS rank of the University of Southampton is very good. The optoelectronic research centre of the University where I’m studying for my PhD is very famous around the world. The optical amplifier as the key brick of modern communication fibre network was invented here.A variety of high-tech fibres such as hollow core fibre, semiconductor fibre are studying here. My supervisor is also another reason I choose here, She is a very nice professor who never disturb you with something no deal with your research and always prepare to offer help when you need her. So I can always focus on my project. The campus is very green and convenient, although it’s much more modern than traditional.

What do you enjoy the most about living in Southampton or Winchester?

I love the city park such as Southampton common and Riverside park here most. There are lots of green land and running or walking path. I can also easily find some old but not broken wooden bench in the park. Every time I feel unhappy, it would cure me when I smell the smell of nature and see lots of people walking, running or biking with their friends, families or funny pets. The swans and ducks in Riverside park is very friendly and I often bring some food to feed them.

Have you undertaken any work placements, collaborations with industry, internships or volunteering? How has this enhanced your experience?

Most of my collaborations is come from collaborating with other researchers such as Clemson University and Norwegian University. I planned to do some volunteering work but interrupted by Covie-19. So the only thing I’ve done is donate some facemask to the Chinese student organization who give this mask to old people in Southampton.

Have you undertaken any extracurricular activities? How have they enhanced your experience?

I often play basketball with my friends during the lockdown. It help us to release during the special period and strength our relationship. Also, it helps us to make friends with people from other countries.

What do you think you have gained from your degree that you wouldn’t have developed without it?

It almost rebuild me totally, from basic to the top. I have little experience about cooking, but now I think I’m much more experienced after I learn lots of dishes from the internet recipes. I also learn a lot from my staffs and supervisor such as time management, writing skills, presentation skills, English speaking level and many skill treasures.

What are you most proud of from your time at the University of Southampton so far?

I think is the academic skills. Before I come here, my research style is like finishing the research tasks arranged by.the supervisor. But in here, I have to undertake the whole project from theory, simulation to measurement. My supervisor often ask me “what’s your

idea?”, ”I’m not the expert in this field, you should dig out more and be an expert of this field.” All of these are polishing my academic skills. I’m proud of the progress.

What has been the hardest aspect of studying in another country? How has the University helped you overcome the challenges?

I think is making friends. Because study here is out of my comfortable zone, many of my staffs do not share the same language and habits with me. Some of them even have heavy accent. It’s a hard work to make friends with someone come from different background. The University especially SUSU arrange volume of activities to create social environment. Such as sports, hiking, even share books on internet. If you want make friends, just follow SUSU in Facebook, there are a lot of activities.

How have the people you have met at Southampton changed your life?

I think most of people I have met at Southampton is very nice. Talking with them is comfortable because they often encourage me to tell them what’s my idea no matter it very amazing or wired, just make sense is ok. And they are patient when I’m speaking even my pronounce is not very well at first. So now I become much more confident than before.

What will you do with your degree after you have finished your studies?

My idea job is a professor of University. The academic skills, research experience and future output before I finish my PhD would help me to get the ticket to University.

Can you sum up your University of Southampton experience in three words?

Freedom, fighting, fantastic

What is the name of the scholarship or bursary you have received?

Chinese Council Scholarship

How has the funding enhanced your experience as a student at the University of Southampton?

I have to say thinks to CSC. I think I won’t be here is I haven’t got the scholarship, because it’s a large amount of money to my family and I really don’t let my families face such a big stress.

What advice do you have for future applicants who may wish to apply for this scholarship or bursary?

The chance provided by CSC is not very very tough to get if you keep moving, keep hardworking.