Visit to Southwest Jiaotong University in Chengdu 西南交通大学
China has become a major hub for engineering education and applied research, but engaging successfully requires a clear understanding of academic culture, research organization, and collaboration practices.
In this vlog, I document my academic visit to Southwest Jiaotong University (SWJTU) in Chengdu and share practical insights for those who are:
- planning to study in China,
- considering a PhD or postdoctoral position,
- or aiming to build long-term research collaborations with Chinese institutions.
📽️ Watch the vlog: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5anyKWDoZZM&t=2s
This is not a touristic or promotional video. It is a field-based academic account covering my research and teaching activities at the School of Mechanical Engineering, laboratory discussions, supervision practices, and daily academic interactions. I also address a critical aspect often underestimated: the Chinese academic mindset, including expectations, pace, hierarchy, and long-term commitment.
Research context behind the visit
This visit is part of the joint research project:
BEST (2024–2025) Thermophysical properties enhancement of functional composite phase change materials for railway tunnel thermal environment control (Building thErmal STorage)
The project focuses on advancing shape-stable composite phase change materials for passive railway tunnel thermal regulation, addressing:
- low thermal conductivity of PCMs,
- liquid leakage during melting,
- mechanical and long-term stability.
The work combines interfacial polymerization, core–shell PCM structures, nanocarbon enhancement, and experimental thermophysical characterization to deliver deployable solutions for real tunnel environments.
Acknowledgment and collaboration
This collaboration would not be possible without the strong scientific leadership and daily engagement of our colleagues at SWJTU. Special thanks to Yanping Yuan, Nan Zhang, and Zhaoli Zhang for their rigorous work, openness, and long-term commitment to joint experimental research.
If you are considering academic mobility or collaboration with China, this vlog is intended to help you prepare realistically and make informed decisions.
💬 If you plan to study or work in academia in China, feel free to share your plans in the comments.
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