Chemistry graduate Yan Liu succeeds via NZ-China tertiary ties

Yan Liu, 24, is one of the success stories emerging from a collaboration between the University of Auckland and China’s Northeast Forestry University (NEFU).

Five years ago, the two institutions joined forces to launch Aulin College – a name combining ‘Auckland’ with ‘Linye,’ the Chinese word for forestry – to offer students the opportunity to pursue undergraduate degrees in China then postgraduate studies in Auckland.

This year, the first wave of postgraduate students received their degrees. Spring Graduation celebrated 34 Aulin College students in fields such as biotechnology, data science, ecology, food science, and information technology. Eighteen students graduated in person.

For Yan, chemistry is not just a subject; it’s a family tradition. Hailing from Qiqihar in China’s northern- and eastern-most province of Heilongjiang she was inspired by her father, a chemical engineer. “He’s been a huge influence on my passion for chemistry,” she explains.

Rather than working with test tubes, flasks, and beakers, Yan uses theoretical models and computational methods, such as Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations, to understand and predict chemical behaviours. Computational chemist Dr Ziyun Wang, who heads the Theoretical Catalysis Group at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, supervised her study.

“Being able to use computational tools to peek into the molecular details of chemical reactions without actually mixing chemicals in a lab is fascinating,” she says. Her work may eventually contribute to the creation of the catalysts and chemical tools needed for low-pollution renewable energy. Yan will now head to the National University of Singapore for her PhD.

“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone I’ve encountered along this journey,” she said. “I am especially thankful to my parents, whose unwavering support and encouragement have been a constant source of strength and crucial to my success, and also grateful to all the mentors, colleagues, and friends who have contributed to my growth and achievements.”

Heilongjiang’s name translates as “black dragon river,” a reference to the Amur River.

The province is known for its extreme sub-zero temperatures in winter and the spectacular ice sculpture festival held in the provincial capital of Harbin, where Northeast Forestry University is based.

Living in Auckland, the milder climate has been an upside for Yan, while the 10,000 km distance from her parents and Qiqihar’s signature style of marinated meat barbecue has been a downside. Outside of academic life, Yan has enjoyed playing badminton with friends and cooking her own Chinese meals in her apartment in student accommodation at 55 Symonds Street.

Northeast Forestry University, located near vast state-owned forests, is known for its special expertise in forestry but offers a wide range of subjects.