Siquan Cheng (Max)

Class of 2022, Mechanical Engineering

Dual-degree Program, University of Glasgow, UK

Master’s Degree, University of Manchester, UK

Prospective Ph.D. Candidate in Intelligent Science and Technology, West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University

01 Choosing What I Love, Rather Than Following the Crowd

While many high school students were still deliberating over which major to choose or which university to apply to, Siquan Cheng (Max) had already made up his mind. He had long been set on pursuing a major related to mechanics, with a clear plan to study abroad in the future. This certainty stemmed from his sober understanding of his own life direction.

Max attended Chengdu Foreign Languages High School, where many of his peers secured admission to prestigious universities through referral programs—albeit with their majors confined to English studies. He admitted, “I didn’t want that to happen to me.” Thus, he began researching various disciplines early on and eventually settled on fluid mechanics—”It’s fascinating, and I felt I could dedicate myself to it for the long haul.”

Max wished to experience an English-taught academic environment before formally studying overseas. For that reason, Sichuan University – Pittsburgh Institute (SCUPI) became his ideal choice. During his time at SCUPI, he encountered certain difficulties but also gained invaluable mentors and friends. The English-medium instruction proved more challenging than anticipated, and the demanding statics course posed a significant hurdle. Yet beyond the challenges lay rewards: Professor Yoon’s statics class, though rigorous, revealed gaps in his mechanics knowledge that he needed to fill. Professor Yunzhi Zou’s calculus course was another gift—fluid mechanics research is inseparable from differential equations, and Professor Zou’s lectures laid a solid foundation for his later scientific work. The depth of the course content, the classroom interactions, and the well-structured curriculum all left a lasting impression on Max, who still looks back fondly on that period of study.

Enrollment at Sichuan University – Pittsburgh Institute

Beyond academics, Max actively participated in and organized numerous extracurricular activities. In the student union, he rose from secretary to vice minister, transitioning from participant to organizer. As head of the 3D Printing Department and vice president of the Science and Technology Association, he organized 3D printing workshops, machining training sessions, and various science outreach events. He also led a team in robotics competitions, earning national-level awards.

Whether in studies or student activities, Max demonstrated a tenacious commitment to excellence and an unwillingness to give up. Though it took time, he eventually adapted to English-medium instruction. He even retook the statics course that had once stumped him when he went abroad. Faced with a near-dormant student organization, he revived it through active programming and was honored with the Best Organization Award for 2018–2019. This persistence and drive became the defining undertone of his developmental journey.

02 A Place Worth Going, Even If It Delays a Year or Two Later

Just as with his college major choice, Max insisted on following his own heart rather than the herd when deciding to study abroad. SCUPI offers a flexible 2+X dual-degree programs, but the mainstream overseas destination among students was the United States; he, however, chose the United Kingdom.

This was not a rash decision but a carefully considered one. As early as the third year of junior high, he had already visited California to experience the American teaching style. Compared to the U.S., he felt more drawn to the UK’s academic atmosphere and its intensive learning environment. He proactively contacted senior Longfei He (Manfred), the first SCUPI student to participate in the 2+X program in the UK, and after gaining in-depth insights into the British teaching and mentoring model, confirmed that it was a better fit for him. The challenge he had to confront, however, was that due to differences in the Chinese, American, and British education systems, he would need to graduate a year later.

Max candidly admitted that he did have concerns when deciding to go to the UK. Yet these concerns faded in the face of his passion for the discipline and gradually dissipated amid his absorbing studies. He reflected, “I believe it’s important to learn what you truly love. When you’ve set your heart on a particular place, delaying a year or two no longer matters.” In 2019, he became the second SCUPI student to join the dual-degree program in the UK.

Upon first arriving in the UK, the anxiety of an unfamiliar environment was more intense than he had imagined. He had to rent a flat on his own—browsing websites, comparing prices from scratch—and share accommodations with international roommates whose lifestyles differed vastly from his. Fortunately, his years of accumulated academic effort helped him quickly adapt to the British teaching model, providing an initial anchor in his overseas life. The two years of English-medium instruction at SCUPI eased his transition into the UK’s academic environment; the calculus courses he had taken earlier also gave him a strong foundation and valuable inspiration.

After half a semester, he began to connect with other Chinese students, gaining companionship, and gradually settled into his new life. Although many pressures still had to be processed and digested alone, he held firm to the conviction that as long as the path he had chosen was the right one, he would never look back and would see it through to the end. From SCUPI to the University of Glasgow, this motivation continued to propel him forward. He gradually developed greater independence, became more proactive in his studies and communication, began taking the lead in group projects, and transitioned from passive participation in lab meetings to actively seeking discussions with his supervisor.

Max’s senior project at the University of Glasgow

(The UK’s undergraduate senior project is completed individually.)

03 The “Hardships” and “Rewards” of Master’s Studies: Turning Knowledge into a Tool

After completing his undergraduate studies, Max decided to pursue a master’s degree in the UK. Rather than staying in Glasgow, he set his sights on the University of Manchester. A groundbreaking fluid dynamics research project led by the University of Manchester in collaboration with universities in Spain, Italy, and other European countries captured his attention. His “must-go” conviction resurfaced—he wanted to study at the place that suited him best. In fact, he had already done his homework during his undergraduate years, mapping out his research plans and target supervisors. Clear goals and thorough preparation ultimately secured his admission to Manchester.

During his master’s program, Max experienced the joy of “using knowledge as a tool.” Although he had almost no leisure time—on weekdays, it was just school and home, with occasional outings on weekends—he thoroughly enjoyed this fulfilling period and did not feel overly pressured. In his view, this was the direction he loved and the knowledge he needed to acquire, and he finally had the opportunity to apply what he had learned. The master’s curriculum placed greater emphasis on experiments, which accounted for 30%–40% of the grade; there were no regular homework assignments. This structure and teaching model afforded him the freedom to learn actively and explore independently. After the coursework ended, he had more time to delve deeper into textbooks, visit the library or lab, and explore how to translate knowledge into practice.

Amid the intense study schedule, he also traveled with classmates during holidays. He visited Italy, France, Montenegro, and Denmark. Though an engineering student, he harbored a keen interest in history and culture. The historical sites in Florence left a deep impression on him, and the unique cultural ambiance of a small town in Montenegro offered a completely fresh experience—a rare respite from the rigors of study. These trips were brief but served as windows of relief, reminding him that beyond the vast world of knowledge, there is also life.

04 A Setback and a Turn: Returning to the Starting Point

After earning his master’s degree, Max encountered a new predicament: his plan to continue doctoral studies abroad was interrupted by practical circumstances. He tried to find a job in the UK—passing the initial interviews with Airbus and several start-ups—but ultimately missed out on offers. With regret, he returned to China. Yet instead of plunging immediately into another job search, he went back to SCUPI—the place he knew best.

“If I cannot continue my in-depth studies abroad, I should at least bring my knowledge back to China and make a contribution here.” With that thought, he returned to the Institute where he felt most at home. Initially, he approached the Alumni Association with a tentative inquiry about opportunities to assist at the Institute. Members of Association responded promptly, actively helping him make connections and inviting him to serve as a laboratory assistant. Three months later, when the FREE Scholar opportunity arose, he reached out to Dean Mingking Chyu and submitted his resume. With Dean Chyu’s guidance and support, he eventually joined Professor Yue Qiu’s research group, continuing his work in fluid dynamics.

Max as a laboratory assistant, answering questions for current students

This period also broadened his horizons. Previously, he had been confined to the mindset of “studying fluids means working only on fluids,” but within the research group, he discovered the vast potential for interdisciplinary collaboration. He became particularly interested in SCUPI’s emerging strength: the intersection of medicine and engineering. He began exploring biomedical engineering directions such as aortic hemodynamics, led student teams in interdisciplinary innovation projects, and encouraged his juniors in the Science and Technology Association to transcend disciplinary boundaries and venture into other fields.

The way out of a low point is often not by charging ahead blindly, but by looking back at where you came from and then taking a different path forward.

05 When There is No Light, First Turn Yourself into a Glowing Stone

During his two years in the research group, Max, with his supervisor’s support, steadily prepared for his Ph.D. applications. After being exposed to the intersection of medicine and engineering, he learned about the application opportunity at West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University and set it as his goal. Although he faced challenges—he was “completely ignorant” about medicine—he overcame them with the help of those around him and Professor Qiu. Through his work, he continued to learn, fully leveraging the Institute’s interdisciplinary advantages and actively seeking guidance from faculty in various fields—for example, consulting Professor Guangwu Qian on coding issues.

His persistent accumulation and learning over the years eventually paid off: this year, Max successfully secured his Ph.D. admission.

This September, he will begin his doctoral studies in Intelligent Science and Technology at West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University.

Looking back at the journey—from choosing his undergraduate major, to the dual-degree program in the UK, to returning as a lab assistant, and finally crossing into the new frontier of medical-engineering integration—each step was not the “smoothest,” yet every step brought him closer to what he truly loves.

He admitted that each time he applied for further studies or jobs, he felt anxious and worried that reality would deviate from his plans.  

Yet he always gives his utmost to achieve the goals he has set for himself.  

“As long as I move forward step by step according to my own plan, I gain a sense of grounding, and anxiety no longer controls me.”

06 He Has Lit Up Others, and Has Been Lit Up by Others

During his time as a research assistant at the Institute, Max frequently gave talks and shared his experiences—the paths he had taken and the pitfalls he had encountered—with younger students, holding nothing back. He advised, “Don’t just look at whether a course or a project is difficult. When you’re doing something you have chosen or love, focus your mindset on pursuing knowledge and overcoming challenges. Have the spirit of Kua Fu chasing the sun—don’t stop until you catch it.” He has always stayed on the path he loves; even when results were not yet visible, he pushed himself to do the utmost in what he could control. “As long as you are learning, you are definitely improving yourself.”

Max attending SCUPI’s 10th anniversary and inaugural Alumni Homecoming Day

His Clock Ticks to Its Own Preferred Rhythm

When asked about his plans after completing his Ph.D., Max did not give a definitive answer, but he said he would continue to deepen his work in this field. Whether pursuing postdoctoral research or joining a technology company for transitional research, he will keep exploring the applications of knowledge, standing firmly on his own timeline and advancing steadily and unhurriedly. And the opportunities meant for him will arrive in due course.