Why did you choose to study your degree?
I decided to pursue the PhD degree to advance my expertise in the mine safety field. I received a full academic scholarship from UOW and China Scholarship Council (CSC), which allows me to come to Australia for my PhD study. Additionally, completing a PhD degree can provide me with a competitive edge in the job market and open doors to exciting career opportunities in academia, research, and industry.
What have you enjoyed most about it so far?
The opportunity to conduct original research, develop novel ideas, and contribute to knowledge advancement in my field is deeply rewarding, as well as applying my knowledge and skills to real-world problems and challenges. Additionally, I have also enjoyed the inclusive teamwork and supportive environment fostered by my supervisor.
Why is that area of study important to you?
Mining Engineering is a multidisciplinary field that combines principles of geology, mechanics, and engineering. This offers a challenging and exciting opportunity for me to develop a broad range of skills and knowledge that can be applied to many industries and sectors. By exploring new technologies and methods for developing safer mining practices and reducing environmental impacts, I hope to make my effort to a more sustainable and safer mining industry.
Have you had any practical learning experiences?
During my PhD studies, I have been fortunate to participate in a variety of practical learning experiences alongside industry partners and engineers. These opportunities have been facilitated through industry-supported projects led by my supervisor, Professor Ting Ren. As a result, I have been able to engage with industry operators through project meetings, seminars, and site studies, which have enhanced my understanding of real-world applications of my research.
At the end of your degree, what do you hope to achieve?
My ultimate goal upon completing my degree is to have gained a profound understanding of my research field and to have made meaningful contributions by generating new knowledge and insights that can further advance the field. This may take the form of pioneering new technologies or enhancing safety practices. In addition, I aim to cultivate a diverse set of skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication, that can be applied to my future career pursuits.
Why did you choose the School of Civil, Mining, Environmental and Architectural Engineering (CMEA) for higher degree research?
I chose CMEA for my higher degree research due to its global reputation in research, innovative teaching methods, and excellent laboratory and workshop facilities. In addition, I was drawn to the fact that my supervisor, Professor Ting Ren, is a renowned scholar with over three decades of expertise in coal mining and safety. This made me feel confident that I would receive the utmost guidance and support throughout my research journey.
Furthermore, the CMEA's strong collaborations with industry offer opportunities for practical application of research findings and networking for future career prospects, which is very important for me as an aspiring researcher. Overall, the CMEA is the ideal place for me to pursue my research and achieve my academic goals.
What is the goal of your research?
With the growing production output and deeper extraction depths in underground coal mining, there is an increasing risk of gas-related incidents. Therefore, my research aims to deepen our understanding of coal mechanics and the mechanism of gas occurrence and migration within the coal seam. This knowledge can then be used to estimate gas reserves, evaluate gas outburst risks, calculate gas emissions, and enhance gas recovery, all of which contribute to improving coal mining safety.
What have you enjoyed most about your experience with CMEA ?
The CMEA HDR Get-together 2022, it provided a great opportunity for me to connect and network with other HDR students and teachers from different research areas within the CMEA. We shared our research progress, exchanged ideas, and learned from each other's experiences. The activity was well-organized, with interesting and informative talks, and fun social activities. Moreover, I enjoyed our weekly group meetings, hosted by my supervisor over a cup of coffee, to discuss our research progress, address any issues, and explore new ideas in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere.
What do you like most about the UOW campus?
The UOW campus is known for its beautiful surroundings and excellent facilities. The campus has a range of modern buildings and state-of-the-art facilities, including libraries, laboratories, study spaces, and recreational areas. The campus is also conveniently located, with easy access to public transport, shops, and cafes. I particularly enjoy visiting the cafes on campus with my research group, where we can discuss our progress and share interesting stories while enjoying the beautiful views.
Why did you choose to study here?
I chose to study at UOW for several reasons. Firstly, I was impressed by the university's global reputation for excellence in education and research, particularly in the field of mining engineering. I knew that studying at UOW would provide me with a world-class education and help me achieve my career goals.
Additionally, the opportunity to receive the International Postgraduate Tuition Award (IPTA) from UOW and the Chinese Scholarship Council (CSC) Scholarship made it possible for me to focus on my research and enjoy my time in Wollongong without the stress of financial hardship.
Finally, I was drawn to the campus's beautiful coastal location and the vibrant student community at UOW. I knew that studying at UOW would not only provide me with a top-notch education, but also give me the opportunity to make lifelong connections with people from all over the world.