Poster Competition, Alumni Homecoming, and Chemistry Day: Strengthening Academic Exchange and Alumni Connections
The Department of Chemistry held a series of major events on Saturday, November 8, including the poster competition, alumni homecoming luncheon, alumni gathering, and Chemistry Day. From morning to evening, the activities were filled with excitement—showcasing students’ research results while bringing together alumni from different generations, adding a memorable chapter to the department’s annual celebration.
Poster Competition: Showcasing Research Strength and Scientific Communication Skills
The morning Poster Presentation Competition featured two categories: undergraduate and graduate. Participating students showcased their research through posters, presenting their latest experimental results, innovative methodologies, and potential future applications. The competition not only highlighted academic achievements but also demonstrated the students’ creativity and their ability to communicate scientific ideas clearly.
This year, external experts and scholars were invited as judges, offering in-depth and professional feedback that encouraged students to think more critically. Graduate participants focused more on advanced chemical theories and applied research, while undergraduate students presented solid experimental designs and preliminary findings. The content was diverse and enriching, creating a lively atmosphere for academic exchange.
Student Feedback:
Lin, Sheng-Chieh, a junior student, shared:
"In this poster competition, I had the opportunity to practice my presentation skills and explain our research clearly within a limited time. At the same time, I got to see many other posters. It was a great experience for me—the topics were very diverse, and by learning from others’ work, I was able to strengthen my own professional abilities. Appreciating the research of fellow students also allowed me to learn and grow."
Li, Yu-Ting, a junior student, mentioned:
"Through this Chemistry Day poster presentation, I gained a deeper understanding of the topic, including the role of catalysts in the synthesis of asymmetric compounds, the potential impact of the products on materials, and the possible hazards in the reaction process along with their corresponding handling methods. At the same time, I realized my own shortcomings, such as conclusions that were not concise enough and key points that were not highlighted clearly. Through this experience, I hope to further improve myself in future learning and presentations."
Undergraduate – First Prize Winner, Mr. Kuo, Chun-Hsin (Senior), shared:
“Last year, my project wasn’t fully complete, so I only received an Honorable Mention. This year, with a finished research project and the experience I gained from the graduate school application process, I was finally able to receive the top award. Seeing a year of hard work turn into real results makes me truly happy.”
Graduate Division – First Prize Winner, Mr. Wang, Jing-Yuan (Master’s Year 2), expressed his gratitude:
"I am truly honored to receive first place in this poster competition. I sincerely thank my advisor for their patient guidance throughout the research—from the conception of the topic to breakthroughs in the experiments, I have grown step by step under their mentorship. I also extend my gratitude to the judges for their recognition and encouragement."
"Every year, the Department of Chemistry holds a poster competition, providing students with more opportunities to interact with professors and research labs. This not only enhances students’ oral communication skills but also boosts their confidence in presenting research and strengthens their practical abilities."
Alumni Homecoming: Reuniting Across Generations, Connecting Department Roots and Career Paths
In celebration of the university’s 45th anniversary, the Chemistry Department hosted the “Homecoming Luncheon” at noon, welcoming alumni from all graduating years to return to campus and reconnect with faculty members. In addition to alumni who graduated 30 years ago, members of the department’s very first cohort also gathered at the same table, creating an especially lively and heartwarming scene. During the afternoon networking session, many alumni shared memories from their days in the laboratory, stories from their student life, and updates on their career journeys. They also expressed great interest in the department’s recent development and its current strategies for nurturing students
Alumni expressed that returning to the Department of Chemistry at Zhongshan University felt like coming back to a second home—familiar and deeply moving. The gathering of faculty and students not only strengthened emotional connections but also provided current students with valuable insights into alumni career experiences and the latest trends in chemical research.
Chemistry Day: Creating an Annual Celebration for Students to Share Together
This afternoon’s Chemistry Day, hosted for the first time by the Department of Chemistry Student Association, featured alumni experience sharing, a poster scavenger hunt, a chemistry quiz with prizes, and a networking dinner. By combining fun and learning, the event allowed students to explore different areas of chemistry in a more relaxed and engaging way.
This time, we specially invited two outstanding alumni to return and share their experiences:
- Prof. Hsiao-Ching Yang, College of Nuclear Science, Department of Engineering and System Science
- Dr. Cheng-Chung Wang, Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica
The two alumni shared their research and career experiences, providing students with rich insights. The interactive session was lively, adding depth and inspiration to Chemistry Day.
This year, Chemistry Day was hosted for the first time by the Department’s Student Association, showcasing the students’ organizational and planning abilities. The overall event was infused with youthful energy and a lively atmosphere.
The Student Association stated, ''This was our first time hosting Chemistry Day. We are very grateful for the support of the students and alumni who attended, which made the event a smooth and successful one. We also look forward to making Chemistry Day increasingly exciting each year, turning it into a traditional celebration for all chemistry students.''
Academia × Heritage × Connection: Growing Together at NSYSU Chemistry
The Department of Chemistry’s series of events on November 8 successfully connected 'research presentations, intergenerational exchange, and alumni homecoming.' The activities not only showcased the department’s research capabilities but also strengthened the bonds among alumni, students, and faculty.
In the future, the Department of Chemistry will continue to host more events, providing students with platforms to showcase their talents, connect with industry and academia, and engage with alumni—ensuring that the spirit of Chemistry is continuously carried forward and passed on.
