Name: Shao Ruomei
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Exploring a new field and searching for inspiration
In 2012, after graduating from Xi'an Jiaotong University, Shao Ruomei began working at the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation No. 6 Research Institute as an engineer of rocket engine type technology.
Ruomei’s thirst for knowledge and curiosity ignited her desire to learn new knowledge and explore new fields. In 2016, after four years as an engineer, she decided to apply for a master's degree. Tsinghua was her dream school.
It was not easy to prepare for the graduate exam while also working full-time; Ruomei used her break time at work and spare time in the evenings to prepare. After a day's work, I came home in the evening and I was very tired, but my goal of being admitted to Tsinghua University was steadfast. I told myself that no matter what, I must persevere and never give up, said Ruomei.
In 2017, Ruomei’s efforts paid off and she was admitted to the Tsinghua University School of Medicine. She joined Prof. Sun Shuqing’s research group and started her academic journey at Tsinghua SIGS.
Faced with how to choose a research direction, Ruomei decided to step outside of her comfort zone. After discussions with her advisor, she chose a new field, flexible electronics, and became the first student in the research group to study this interdisciplinary field. Ruomei jumped right into her research and took charge of everything from purchasing testing equipment for experiments to building platforms and reproducing materials experiments.
Ruomei was constantly on the lookout for inspiration in her research field. During summer vacation in her hometown of Xi’an after her first year at SIGS, she had some new thoughts on her research and couldn't wait to return to Shenzhen to do experiments. My second year had just started. Prof. Sun learned that I needed some help in my research experiments, so he took the initiative to go to the laboratory to help me collect data and photograph specimens during several afternoons.” Ruomei was moved by Prof. Sun’s help.
Ruomei with her advisor Prof. Sun Shuqing
Ruomei's achievements in the field of flexible electronics were inseparable from Prof. Sun’s help, guidance, and support. I would like to thank Prof. Sun for his acceptance of and trust in my scientific research, patient guidance in academic knowledge, offering of resources, and sincere encouragement during setbacks,” Ruomei said.
Challenges and successes
In 2020, Ruomei was about to graduate with a master's degree and was faced with the choice of going back to work or pursuing a Ph.D. Her family wanted her to continue in the aerospace industry, which both her father and grandfather were involved in. However, Ruomei chose to continue her academic career.
According to Ruomei, scientific research is a process of truth-seeking, which is full of uncertainty and ups and downs, especially when papers get rejected. “Frustration in paper submission is a necessary process, and revisions after repeated rejections is a process of self-improvement,” Ruomei said.
In the field of flexible electronics, Ruomei focuses on pain points and key issues in the implementation of technologies. During her studies, she actively participated in and organized various project applications, focused on the junction of scientific research results and industry needs, and contributed to applied research of flexible electronics for industry.
A rich campus life
Apart from scientific research, Ruomei has a wide range of interests and hobbies and actively participated in a variety of campus activities. These included running, playing the pipa, and emceeing events. Among her many hobbies, Ruomei likes running the most. In Shenzhen, I can run all year round. When I run on campus, my body and mind are completely relaxed, and I have a real sense of happiness,” she said.
Next, Ruomei will take her curiosity and exploratory spirit to Nanyang Technological University in Singapore for post-doctoral research.
Edited by Alena Shish & Yuan Yang
Photos provided by Shao Ruomei
