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Mohmmed Mun Elseed Hassaan from Sudan is a Ph.D.student in Institute of Plasma Physics (ASIPP), Hefei Institutes of Physical Science (HFIPS),CAS. Here he presented his story.
My Chinese name is 楚天阔(CHU Tiankuo). I am a Ph.D. researcher in the field of nuclear science and technology. ASIPP is considered one of the most famous international institutes for conducting cutting-edge research that contributes strongly to solving complex scientific and research problems represented in energy, environment, health, engineering technology, materials, and others.
I joined Science Island in 2020, and since that time, I have been on a beautiful and amazing journey in all academic, sporting, social, and personal aspects. Science Island is a beautiful, excellent location and a welcoming and enjoyable environment for students. As the capital city of Anhui Province, Hefei is the most beautiful, vibrant, and dynamic city. It contains many rich and attractive historical places and wonderful tourist attractions. It also includes many advanced institutions and universities, such as the Chinese Academy of Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui University, Hefei University of Technology, etc. At that time, I felt incredibly relieved, content, and happy. I felt that this was the right place to fulfill my academic dreams, build my future career, and develop myself well. This is a wonderful opportunity for me, and I must make good use of it.
Here at ASIPP, scientists and engineers are working hard to design nuclear fusion reactors, and they are actively contributing to the ITER reactor (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) in addition to designing other reactors, such as the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) and Thailand Tokamak 1 (TT-1). The ASIPP hosts numerous international conferences and seminars, and scientists and researchers come from different countries to conduct scientific research and discussions, which makes me feel as if I were sailing on a huge island of science to the oceans of the world in pursuit of knowledge and academic science. It is a dream that cannot be achieved and will only be available to me here in such a place and in these environments.
I believe one of the greatest opportunities I had was joining Professor PAN Wanjiang's laboratory in the ASIPP, which has a lot of research and academic collaborations with international institutions and Chinese universities. My academic knowledge has increased, and my research ability has developed as we hold weekly scientific meetings to discuss complex world problems and contribute to solving them with an elite group of world scientists. For example, our research team has conducted several ITER and EAST reactor projects. In my research, I study and design superconducting magnets, which have many scientific, industrial, and medical applications such as fusion reactors, MRI, accelerators, materials industry, and others. During my studies, I learned a lot about engineering simulation programs, computational physics, and the use of high-performance computers to solve very complex physics problems. I have gained a lot of experience and research capabilities, which I will work to transfer to my country and help my students in the future, making us contribute effectively to building and developing my country. I also had the opportunity to attend many international conferences, workshops, and courses in many famous international institutions.
In addition to this ideal academic environment, Science Island was designed for the comfort of the student and researcher, as all service, social, accommodation, and academic facilities were built close to each other, making it easy for us to move and access them, shorten time and effort, and thus put more effort into conducting research. And achieving scientific excellence. It is certain that these excellent conditions, comfortable life, and creatively equipped facilities will help a person to develop, excel, and achieve success. Being in this special place helped me to write and publish several scientific papers as first author and co-author. Being in this special place has helped me to write and publish many scientific papers and won many awards.
My pleasure and pride to won the Social Services Award. (Image by HFIPS)
I believe one of the greatest opportunities I had was joining Professor PAN Wanjiang's laboratory in the ASIPP, which has a lot of research and academic collaborations with international institutions and Chinese universities. My academic knowledge has increased, and my research ability has developed as we hold weekly scientific meetings to discuss complex world problems and contribute to solving them with an elite group of world scientists. For example, our research team has conducted several ITER and EAST reactor projects. In my research, I study and design superconducting magnets, which have many scientific, industrial, and medical applications such as fusion reactors, MRI, accelerators, materials industry, and others. During my studies, I learned a lot about engineering simulation programs, computational physics, and the use of high-performance computers to solve very complex physics problems. I have gained a lot of experience and research capabilities, which I will work to transfer to my country and help my students in the future, making us contribute effectively to building and developing my country. I also had the opportunity to attend many international conferences, workshops, and courses in many famous international institutions.
In addition to this ideal academic environment, Science Island was designed for the comfort of the student and researcher, as all service, social, accommodation, and academic facilities were built close to each other, making it easy for us to move and access them, shorten time and effort, and thus put more effort into conducting research. And achieving scientific excellence. It is certain that these excellent conditions, comfortable life, and creatively equipped facilities will help a person to develop, excel, and achieve success. Being in this special place helped me to write and publish several scientific papers as first author and co-author. Being in this special place has helped me to write and publish many scientific papers and won many awards.
Accommodation and student activities on Science Island:
I believe my life on Science Island is easy and comfortable in every way. Throughout my life here, I have not faced any difficulties because Science Island is designed in the best possible way for the comfort of students, researchers, and engineers. The accommodation is only a few hundred meters from my lab, so I can arrive as quickly as possible and do not need to go far. The accommodations, design, and furnishings helped me relax, enjoy, and feel comfortable. I never felt lonely or far away from my family because the dormitory was equipped with high-speed Internet so that I could share photos and video chat with my family and friends worldwide. The apartment also has a fully equipped kitchen, allowing me to cook Sudanese food and learn to cook Chinese meals with ease. I also sometimes invite my Chinese, Sudanese, and other nationality friends, and we eat together, relax a little, relieve academic pressure, have fun, and enjoy our time together.
Celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival is an opportunity to dress up in traditional Chinese clothes and Taste the mid-autumn cakes. (Image by HFIPS)
Naturally, I love nature and hiking in agricultural fields. The most beautiful thing about Science Island is the picturesque environment, green spaces, beautiful tall trees, and stunning landscapes inside and around the island. I often go to the farm fields around Science Island and meet Chinese farmers (they are really very hard workers); I see how efficiently they use solar technology and greenhouses, as well as how clean and weed-free their fields are. I talk to them, share fun, and take their life advice; they are full of life experiences. At the same time, I buy vegetables and fruits directly from the fields; they are delicious and fresh, especially strawberries, grapes, and watermelon.
The Chinese-Foreign Cultural Exchange Festival is an opportunity to show
our Sudanese culture and learn about Chinese and foreign cultures and traditions. (Image by HFIPS)
We have learned since childhood that a healthy mind resides in a healthy body, so exercising is essential for good health and academic achievement. The university campus is designed to contain all sports activities. It is just like the Olympic City, with designated courts for various sports such as football, basketball, volleyball, badminton, tennis, a gym, and a karate hall. I have joined a sports association with Chinese students called (武术协会 - Wǔshù xiéhuì), where we practice karate twice a week and also participate in sporting events and cultural programs. Sports competitions are also organized here on Science Island, such as football tournaments, marathons, etc., and all of these sports activities are very beneficial for our physical and mental health and make our lives full of vitality and activity, which reflects positively on academic performance.
Activities on Science Island (a) making DOFU. (b) Fish assembly activity.
(c) Brush writing activity (photos taken by the international collaboration division) (Image by HFIPS)
On the other hand, the International Students Office and the international collaboration division of HFIPS on Science Island continuously organize recreational activities and excursions to tourist sites and heritage monuments. Moreover, we celebrate national events and holidays annually, including the Chinese Spring Festival, Chinese National Day, and the Mid-Autumn Festival. Participating in cultural programs allows us to learn about many aspects of Chinese heritage, such as brush writing, cloth printing, and making DOUFU. Through these activities, we gain knowledge about Chinese history and have the opportunity to learn about the traditional Chinese culture.
Science Island activities. (a) printing on fabric. (b) football competitions,
the picture shows my participation with the international student team against one of the ASIPP teams.
Challenges and lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic:
Everyone recognizes that this is one of the most challenging periods the world has ever faced. We've all encountered difficulties during this time. Personally, I consider this period to be one in which I achieved many achievements, learned a lot, and overcame numerous challenges. First, Science Island is considered one of the safest places in the world, especially during the COVID-19 period, as it is far from crowded residential areas and is inhabited only by students, researchers, and professors, so it is quiet and safe. Secondly, during the COVID-19 period, everyone here at Science Island was cooperating and helping each other, which increased our enthusiasm and reduced our anxiety and stress. The International Collbaoration Division and International Students Office here took great care of us, as the teachers constantly brought us foodstuffs such as (vegetables, fruits, meat, eggs, milk, flour, etc.). We continued our studies, research, and online lectures at home. The Internet is extremely helpful and quite fast, particularly with China's 5G network technology. As for me, I achieved excellent academic results during that period and gained a lot of skills and experience.
Also, I participated with my Chinese friends in one of the student associations in presenting a theatrical performance simulating the role of doctors, policemen, and sanitation workers in that period. It was a wonderful performance and received applause and admiration from the audience.
A theatrical performance by the (武术协会 - Wǔshù xiéhuì) in 2020, representing the efforts of doctors,
nurses, policemen, and cleaners in the epidemic. (Image by HFIPS)
I consider myself quite fortunate to have had the opportunity to experience the Covid-19 period in China. I have gained many experiences in collaborating and working with people for everyone's life. I also learned from that period volunteer work and awareness. It is certain that what I gained from that period will help me a lot when I return to my country to contribute effectively to managing crises and disasters if they occur in the future. These valuable experiences and lessons are not easily found.
Study Chinese language:
Learning a new language not only provides you with new experiences but also gives you an opportunity to gain knowledge of different cultures, especially the rich Chinese culture. Having the chance to learn Chinese is, in my opinion, one of the most valuable advantages of studying in China. I studied Chinese at Anhui Normal University, USTC, Northeast Forestry University, and Shanghai International Studies University. In addition to gaining knowledge of Chinese history and culture, the language enabled me to make many Chinese friends and colleagues. They're extremely welcoming and friendly, we visit each other constantly and share our food traditions. Everyone here can help you with anything. I visited many tourist, heritage, and rural areas in Hefei and some cities in China, such as Guangzhou, Nanjing, and Wuhu. In addition, the language allowed me to communicate and have effective discussions with my labmates and classmates, which contributed to the successful study results and a more comprehensive understanding. Learning Chinese has made life here in China much more enjoyable. Outside school, life is amazing and wonderful, and it cannot be fully enjoyed without knowledge of the Chinese language.
These were just some of the Science Island memories that I will never forget. Firstly, I would like to sincerely thank my parents and relatives in Sudan for their encouragement and patience during my academic journey. I thank my supervisor, Professor PAN, for his invaluable support throughout the learning process and his informative scientific discussions. I gained valuable knowledge through his teaching, which I wouldn't have acquired elsewhere. I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt thanks to all the staff at Science Island, especially those working in the international cooperation and student offices, for their excellent guidance and care in organizing our daily life, giving us access to everything we need, providing amenities and creating good conditions for study.
There are many opportunities available here on Science Island. You may apply to become a member of this beautiful and unique island. Here, you can carry out cutting-edge research, contribute to solving intractable scientific issues, and collaborate and discuss with scientists and engineers worldwide.
Text by Mohmmed Mun Elseed Hassaan
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