Lu Meng-shan (呂孟珊), a Ph.D. candidate with National Chi Nan University, has uncovered a way to transform sludge to proverbial gold. This discovery led to the formation of TCG TECH, an academic collective comprising Lu and fellow NCNU students Yang Chih-chi (楊智其), Chang Yu-chen (張育禎), Lu Yao-chih (呂曜志), and Hsu Hao (徐顥). Their applications of Lu's research have led to greener technology such as eco-friendly plastics, becoming shortlisted by the Taiwan's Ministry of Science and Technology as a potential recipient of its startup funds in the process.
Highlights
NCNU scores high for research, industry income on THE world rankings
In the latest Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, National Chi Nan University (NCNU) is rated 412th globally for "Industry Income" — one of the five core pillars measuring the commercial impact, industrial value, and real-world applications of our institution's research.
NCNU research reveals secret to retaining Gen Z talent
"The era of rationalizing unreasonable work demands is over," claims Ouyang Pei-lin (歐陽霈霖), a hospitality studies student with National Chi Nan University (NCNU) whose research on the "anti-authoritarian streak of Gen Z jobseekers" recently captured an award from Taiwan's Ministry of Science and Technology. Her paper was chosen for its insights on how new graduates are information-savvy when it comes to rights and freedoms, hence naturally dispositioned against the totalitarian managerial styles that dictate the Taiwanese workplace.
The siren call of coffee: one PhD student's winged tulip obsession
Yeh Chun-ting (葉俊廷), a Ph.D. candidate pursuing both academic and caffeinated fulfillment at National Chi Nan University (NCNU), has unlocked a new achievement — pouring the perfect winged latte tulip — and winning an online latte art competition organized by Taiwanese chain Junior Coffee and Australian coffee appliance maker Breville. He scored first both in demonstration, out of 200 plus contestants, and in digital fan base, receiving over 2,500 engagements and almost 500 comments during demo and generating considerable buzz on the competition's platform.
Faculty, Student & Alumni Stories
For most jobseekers, it would be a dream to work at Google. This dream became a reality for Hsu Chih-chun, National Chi Nan University (NCNU) alumnus who graduated from the Department of Applied Materials and Optoelectronic Engineering. Yet after years of fulfilling work, he chose to leave this formidable corporation — not for another better-paying company but for another objective.
"If you were asked to give a speech at NCNU, what would you like to share?" "My topic would be: universities should be full of labs!” Responding without hesitation, Yu sounds like he is already speaking on stage. Young universities such as NCNU have a chance to be free from traditional constraints, to become an academic institution that sincerely responds to the needs of the era at hand. He stresses that NCNU students are equal in strength to those who graduate from Taiwan's top schools, but the lack of privilege and prestige associated with the young university's name often give rise to imposter-like feelings. Confidence can be trained by "aspiring to output by seeking new input," reminds Yu.
In Taiwan, mobile coverage is so prevalent that one can humble brag on social media about "just conquered the nation's tallest peak today" upon scaling the 3,952-meter Yushan, or Jade Mountain. In the ever-interconnected Taiwanese society, people are only one moment away from sharing something new through apps and social networks. This "mobile moment" is what intrigues Professor Jessica Hsiaofen Chen (陳小芬), an expert in the practical and predictive applications of information management with National Chi Nan University.