Zhen Zhang

Zhen was drawn to the University of Auckland for several compelling reasons. "The university offers a wide range of research opportunities and has state-of-the-art facilities. Working with top researchers was a big draw for me. It is consistently ranked among the world's leading universities and is located in beautiful, dynamic Auckland, which has a high quality of life," says Zhen. 

Pursuing a major in Chemistry, Zhen finds the programme particularly engaging. "My favourite aspect of my major is the way the programme is taught and designed: the lectures and labs are designed to be fun and lively in order to stimulate our learning potential," he shares.

Zhen transferred to the University of Auckland after completing three years of undergraduate study at the Northeast Forestry University in China under a Transnational Education (TNE) programme. “TNE bridged academic and cultural gaps, taking me to Auckland. It’s allowed me to realise my goals of enhancing international academic collaborations and foster global communication”.

Adjusting to a new country and academic system can be challenging, but Zhen has found support at here to help him thrive both academically and personally. "Although the knowledge and language are all big challenges for international students, my supervisor, lecturers, and the international office has support me a lot with learning and in everyday life."

Zhen's research is centred on enhancing drug synthesis processes. "My research is about improving drug synthesis using flow chemistry and help the local pharmaceutical industry overcome economic and technological challenges in complex chemistry, manufacturing, and control.

Looking ahead, he aims to secure a job and build his life in Auckland. "I would like to find a job and live in Auckland in the future, and I think my degree from the University of Auckland will be favourable in my job search," he states confidently.