The opening ceremony of the TEDxSJTU University of Michigan- Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute (UM-SJTU JI) Salon was held at the Yu Liming Student Center on May 20. The event was co-sponsored by JI and the JI Student Union contending team “the Brig.” For the launch, TEDxSJTU JI Salon invited three JI professors and two students as speakers, attracting more than 50 students, including international students. The speakers and the audience discussed the “vision,” “workplace anti-discrimination language,” “VR technology” and other hot topics. The speakers shared their experiences and research results to shed light on students’ future paths.(video)

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The first speaker, Professor Shane Johnson talked about his views on vision and personal development. Citing words of Gandhi, Martin Luther King and Mark Twain, he demonstrated the tremendous impact of vision on one’s future development. Professor Johnson remarked that in order to really have a broad perspective, one needs to understand oneself, aim at lofty and detailed goals and set each goal’s priority.

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Professor Andrew Yang presented the theme of his recent research: “Anti-racist language at workplace.” He explained how an individual’s national, linguistic or cultural identity impacts a person’s self-awareness, which may lead to racial problems generated from workplace exchange.

万文杰a_副本Professor Wenjie Wan gave a speech on “Virtual Reality(VR technology).” Pointing out some current applications of VR technology, such as Google glasses, medical equipment and entertainment gadgets, he explained the principles of VR technology and elaborated on its future prospects based on his research.

QQ截图20160524101516_副本Lengbo Xu, a JI student, delivered a speech titled “GPA: What are we talking about?” Based on his experience, Xu argued that GPA does not reflect the full value of a student. Every student should have a life, of which GPA is not all.

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Jiannan Huang, gave a talk “It’s so good to be back to JI.” Sharing his experience of studying at the UM for the past two years, he not only provided the students with glimpses of the UM but also encouraged them to cherish every day at JI even more.

On the same occasion, the JI Toastmasters Club was also established, with the support of Yanji Liu, JI’s Career Guidance Councilor. The JI Toastmasters Club aims to provide a platform of exchange and professional assistance for students who are interested in public speaking. To help members improve their speaking and presentation skills, the club will host internal speech exercises, experience sharing sessions and other activities on a regular basis.

张杰_副本SJTU leaders with JI faculty and students

On the same day, SJTU President Zhang Jie and officials were visiting JI. President Zhang thinks the TEDxSJTU JI Salon is very meaningful. Dean Peisen Huang also believes that the TEDx club will broaden students’ horizons and help develop their presentation skills.

JI TED_副本Participants of the TEDxSJTU JI Salon