While COVID-19 has had significant negative impacts on globalisation and international trade, Dr Yuxiang Ye, who recently obtained her PhD at UP, believes “opportunities always come together with challenges”. She is looking forward to finding her niche in the energy economics area, creating her own business in this field. Read more about her studies at UP, her favourite publication and scientists she admires...
Q: Briefly summarise your career since graduating from UP, with special mention of specific highlights/milestones.
A: Currently I am a post-doctorate fellow at UP. It is a great opportunity to consolidate what I have learnt during my PhD, and more importantly, it helps prepare myself for a future career. I enjoy it.
Q: To what extent did your studies at UP benefit you in your career and contribute to your success?
A: Study at UP was a delightful and fruitful experience. It trained me well in logical and critical thinking, as well as academic writing, communication and presentation. Pursuing a PhD degree is a full-time job; it needs continuous inputs and the ability to break down a big problem into small chunks in order to get it solved. All these skills I obtained will help frame my life and future career.
Q: Given your academic experience at UP, what advice can you pass on to current students?
A: First of all, no matter when you decide to go for a PhD, do not give up. Secondly, trust your supervisor(s), work harder than your supervisor(s) in your research area and maintain effective communications with supervisor(s) as frequently as you can. Lastly, make sure you enjoy it.
Q: What, in your opinion, is the foundation of a successful business/company/consultancy/organisation?
A: I believe knowledge and human capital are crucial to any business.
Q: Which business/trade-related publications (magazines/newspapers/blogs, etc) do you enjoy reading?
A: The Economist is a fantastic magazine, I enjoy reading it in my spare time.
Q: What really inspires and motivates you personally?
A: Finding what I love to do and trying my best.
Q: If you could have a face-to-face meeting with an inspiring person - in any domain - who sets an example in transforming the world and inspiring others to do the same, who would it be and what would you like to discuss?
A: I was lucky to meet several great scientists who fit this mould, such as my supervisor Prof Steven F Koch and Prof Xiaohua Xia from UP, and Prof YQ Chen at UC Merced, who have been inspiring my life, all the time.
Q: Going forward, what are your professional/business/personal goals?
A: For my future career, I may find a job in the energy economics area, and plan to create my own business in the relevant industry.
Q: Lastly, COVID-19 has turned the world upside down. In your opinion, to what extent is the pandemic likely to impact globalisation/international trade?
A: COVID-19 has had a significant negative impact on globalisation and international trade. However, I am quite sure that opportunities always come in tandem with challenges.
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