Yaning Li
MS Student, Satin lab
Hometown: Weifang, China
Undergraduate: Biochemistry & Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University
I am from Weifang, a small city in Shandong Province, which is located in Northeast China. My hometown is famous for flying kites. You can see kites shaped of TMNT, Superman, ET, and more in the sky. I studied in China Pharmaceutical University, where I majored in Biochemistry and Pharmacology. In a party, I am usually quiet, looking for a good time to leave the party. So, yes I am not a very "party" party person. Instead, I enjoy reading in a park. I like to read poems and classic old-style, yet charming novels.
What do you wish your friends and family knew about your work?
I wish to show my family and friends how much I have grown to be a researcher in my lab. I have been trained to work with a technique that was new to me since the beginning of the year, which was a big challenge. At first, I was afraid, but now I am excited and confident to have learned the skills that I am proficient in now.
What would you consider your biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge, though, was the language barrier. I have always put myself up to challenge to speak fluent english, not only to excel in classes, but also to enjoy conversing with people. The thing is, every time before I speak, I organize what I wish to say in my head. So, often times, I would look awfully quiet, more than I intended to be.
What you are you most proud of?
I am proud that I have gained professionalism from this Masters Program. Sometimes I can not believe that I have completed all the assignments, presentations and projects. Although I have struggled with them, they ultimately brought scholastic growth and sense of fulfillment.
One of my favorite poems speak well for me:
却顾所来径，苍苍横翠微。(When I look back to the path I came through, green woods flourish across the horizon)
What do you plan to do with your degree?
I plan to pursue a Ph.D. after achieving Master's Degree, while staying with my someone special throughout my graduate education.
Tell me a fun or interesting fact about yourself:
A fun fact about me is that I enjoy collecting fountain pens, inks, notebooks, decorative tapes, and stationery items. The fact that I cannot find good-looking pen with fine nib here in the states is a pain to me.