Scientist from China makes the most of his Aussie experience (Issue 21, 2012)
Boxiong Jiang was quite surprised to learn he was the only Chinese student studying his course – a Bachelor of Medicinal Chemistry – but he has made many Aussie friends and has made the most of his time at La Trobe University.
Jiang is a talented and dedicated scientist, he has a passion that stems from his childhood when his father (also a scientist) showed him around labs and introduced him to the world of biochemistry from the age of six. Although science is his passion, he also gains a lot of enjoyment from volunteering and social activities.
‘I attended voluntary work to make my days meaningful and make new friends. Going hiking and cycling in the suburbs is also exciting. Making new friends by voluntary work at La Trobe and in the surrounding communities is the main factor that makes my day,’ says Jiang.
Jiang is impressed with La Trobe University’s multicultural atmosphere and finds it easy to make friends.
‘I like my life here and enjoy the multicultural atmosphere. The most memorable thing is that I can’t believe I’m the only Chinese international student in my course – out of only two international students.
‘In the two years I have been studying, I have made a lot of friends with my Aussie classmates from studying and other international students from events.’
Jiang is a keen hiker and cyclist, he has been lucky enough to backpack across over 90 cities in eight countries with the money he earned through part time work. He has volunteered his time to help in many university and community events, such as Open Day, Orientation, the Science, Technology and Engineering challenge, the ASEAN games and Darebin City Council’s Mid-Autumn Festival.
‘I make friends with students doing the same subjects as me and from voluntary work. By volunteering, I also improve my socialising skills, which is useful in daily life.’
Jiang is very confident about his future career – and if his outstanding results are to go by, he should be! Jiang received over 80 per cent for first year chemistry in both semesters – a great result!
‘The pharmaceutical industry has a high demand for graduates, in Australia and back home. With a qualified degree from La Trobe and the experience I have gained, I can make the most of myself in this field,’ says Jiang.
Jiang is looking forward to completing his degree in La Trobe University’s new state-of-the-art LIMS building.
‘It’s nice that La Trobe just put a huge sum of money into biochemistry, and from next year we will be part of the gorgeous LIMS building while I carry on with my third year biochemistry and chemistry study.’
