HKUST(GZ) Delegation Visits US, Canada; Signs Agreement with Cornell
From May 18 to May 25, Professor Ricky Shi-Wei Lee, Vice-President (Research) of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), led a delegation to the United States and Canada. During this visit, an agreement was signed with Cornell University to enhance undergraduate study abroad opportunities. The delegation also engaged in meaningful discussions with Columbia, Yale, the University of Pennsylvania, University of Toronto and other leading universities in the United States and Canada.
The focus of these discussions included student exchange programs, joint research initiatives, and summer programs. Joining Professor Ricky Lee were Professor Zhenglong Gu from Thrust of Bioscience and Biomedical Engineering, Assistant Professor Qixing Ji from Thrust of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, and Dr. Yi-Lung Kuo from Pillar of Cognitive Sciences.
At Cornell, Professor Ricky Lee reflected on the previous visit from Cornell’s President, Michael I. Kotlikoff, expressing excitement about the collaborative progress made in just six months.
Professor Wendy Wolford, Vice Provost for International Affairs at Cornell, highlighted a special connection between Cornell and HKUST(GZ), with Cornell alumni contributing to the design of HKUST(GZ)’s campus buildings. Both are looking forward to deepening collaboration on talent development and research innovation.
On the morning of May 19, the delegation continued to Rutgers University in New Jersey, where they had a lunch meeting with Professor Eric Garfunkel, Vice President for Global Affairs, and his team. They also met with Dean Alberto Cuitino of the School of Engineering to discuss potential collaborative initiatives.
That afternoon, the delegation visited Columbia University’s School of Engineering. Professor Ricky Lee shared that seven students from Columbia will be participating in the upcoming Language and Cultural Exchange (PLACE) summer camp at HKUST(GZ). Dr. Gabrielle Gannon, Associate Dean of Graduate Admissions expressed gratitude for the opportunities provided and looked forward to further discussions to facilitate student exchanges.
On May 20, the delegation visited Yale University, engaging with Dr. Alexander Rosas, Dean of International and Summer Programs.
In Yale, Professor Zhenglong Gu held an academic seminar titled “Mitochondrial DNA Mutation and Disease: Young and Old” in the Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, where he discussed related issues with faculty and students at Yale.
On May 21, the delegation visited Stevens Institute of Technology, where they were warmly welcomed by Dr. Jianmin Qu, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, alongside other senior officials.
Later that day, the delegation arrived in Philadelphia to meet with Professor David F. Meaney, Vice Provost for Research at the University of Pennsylvania, and engaged in discussions with Professor Boon Thau Loo, Senior Associate Dean of School of Engineering and Applied Science.
Professor Zhenglong Gu also conducted an academic seminar titled “ Mitochondrial DNA Mutation and Disease: Young and Old” at the Perelman School of Medicine, where he engaged in lively discussions with the faculty and students of the university.
The final stop in the U.S. was Vanderbilt University on May 22, where Professor Tiffiny Tung, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education, greeted and held fruitful discussion with the delegation.
In Vanderbilt University, the delegation members also held discussions with Professor Krishnendu Roy, Dean of the School of Engineering, Professor Michael Miga, Chair of the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Professor Haoxiang Luo, Chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, as well as other faculty memebers from the Vanderbilt University.
Following their productive engagements in the United States, the HKUST(GZ) delegation proceeded to Toronto, Canada, to continue their academic endeavors.
In University of Toronto, they met with Professor Christopher Yip, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, and his team, as well as Ms. Gwen Burrows, Assistant Vice-President, International Engagement & Impact, and her team.
Professor Christopher Yip noted the improving relations between China and Canada, which are conducive to fostering partnerships between universities in both countries. He expressed hope that the two universities should establish a collaborative relationship to enhance academic exchanges across multiple levels.
Invited by Professor Feridun Hamdullahpur, Chancellor of the IBU, the delegation also visited International Business University (IBU) and held discussions with Dr. Asima Vezina, the President and Vice-Chancelor of IBU and his team on student programs and academic exchanges.
