Three doctoral students from the University of Michigan-Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute (UM-SJTU JI, JI hereafter) have been selected for the 2024 China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) Young Elite Scientist Sponsorship Program. The prestigious CAST program aims to identify and support exceptional young researchers under the age of 30 in the fields of science, engineering, agriculture, and medicine, fostering their growth as future leaders in science and technology.
Launched in September 2024, the program offers up to two years of comprehensive support, helping participants access academic resources and expand their research capabilities. A total of 3,226 doctoral students were selected in this first cohort.
Profiles of selected JI students
Shoulu Gong
Major: Electronic Science and Technology (enrolled in 2020)
Advisor: Lei Shao
Research Focus: Design and control of soft robots
Supporting Association: Chinese Society of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics
Achievements: Gong has published several first-author papers in The Innovation and Advanced Science. His accolades include Outstanding Class Advisor at SJTU, a Gold Medal at the China International College Students’ Innovation Competition, and First Prize in the “Zhixing Cup” Competition.
Chaohong Guan
Major: Mechanical Engineering (enrolled in 2021)
Advisor: Hong Zhu
Research Focus: Development of solid-state batteries for new energy applications
Supporting Association: Chinese Materials Research Society
Achievements: Guan has published first-author papers in leading journals such as Angewandte Chemie, Advanced Materials, and Energy Storage Materials. She was awarded the inaugural National Natural Science Foundation Ph.D. Fund Project, National Graduate Scholarship, and Outstanding Student honors.
Yicheng Zhu
Major: Electronic Science and Technology (enrolled in 2022)
Advisor: Wenjie Wan
Research Focus: Nonlinear optics and physics in microcavities
Supporting Association: Chinese Society for Optical Engineering
Achievements: Zhu has published first-author papers in Nature Communications and received honors including the National Graduate Scholarship and the title of Outstanding PhD Student at the National Key Laboratory for Optical Fiber Communication Networks and New Optical Communication Systems.
