A Straight A Student Exchanging at Emory

As an exchange student of Emory University School of Medicine which is among the world’s top 20 in Medicine, Xu Qian has absolutely excellent comprehensive quality. During her several years of study in Xiangya School of Medicine, CSU, Xu Qian has laid a solid foundation for her future development. As a student ranked at the top in her major at university, Xu Qian has been offered the National Scholarship for Graduate Students and the National Endeavor Scholarship. Xiangya’s motto of "Seeking Truth and Accuracy and Striving for Profound Professionalism and Perfection" should be reflected in the most basic medical knowledge first. With Xiangya people’s rigorousness and seriousness, she went out step by step.

Besides academic records, she has won the title of "Outstanding Member of the Student Union of Central South University", the third prize in CSU Chemistry Competition, the title of "Outstanding Student of Central South University" and the first prize in the "Pupil Teacher" Bilingual Teaching Competition in Diagnostics of Xiangya School of Medicine. She used to work as an assistant of the Student Affairs Office of Xiangya School of Medicine as well. She worked in a careful and responsible manner, which was well received by teachers and students.

Why is she able to join the Griendling lab?

The Griendling Cardiovascular Lab Xu Qian joined is one of the best labs in Emory University School of Medicine. It focuses on the role of reactive oxygen species in smooth muscle proliferation, migration and differentiation, and the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of vascular disease. Dr. Griendling and her colleagues have published over 200 SCI-indexed papers. Being the leader of the lab, Kathy Griendling, PhD is also Vice Chair for Research and Faculty Development in the Department of Medicine and Assistant Dean for Faculty Development in the School of Medicine, Emory University.

According to Xu Qian, when she was in China, she was doing research in the Hypertension Institute of Xiangya Hospital. Her supervisor was Prof. Zhang Guogang from the Department of Cardiology of Xiangya Hospital and the research looked at the role of oxygen free radicals in cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, she sent an application to Griendling after searching on the Internet.

Xu Qian said, "The boss is very nice. She welcomes trainees from all over the world. I happened to know the field and have an interest in it. I think this is the reason."

What is the experience in the lab?

When asked about the study and work in the lab, Xu Qian started to praise her boss spontaneously. She said, "As Assistant Dean for Faculty Development in the School of Medicine, she (Kathy) has trained many excellent young supervisors and students. At first, I don’t think there will be much pressure in a foreign lab. Later, I find although they don’t give you many assignments, everyone works very hard. The great enthusiasm in the lab will push me to learn on my own. In addition, everyone is willing to share and help. I can almost learn everything I want to learn. Here, as my project encounters various problems, I have gradually learnt the ways of thinking about and solving them. This is the charm of scientific research."

At the end of the interview, Xu Qian also summed up her own feelings and experiences. She said, "At first, when I encountered a problem, I would feel depressed. However, I got used to it slowly, for it is normal that the expectation is different from the result. The process of scientific research is "a problem appears - solve the problem - a new problem appears - solve the new problem". In this way, new results are discovered step by step. At present, what I want most is to return to China with the results. The university values us very much and we ourselves also want to learn something."

The Chinese exchange student appearing in Emory University’s News

While talking about her appearance in Emory University’s news, Xu Qian was very modest. She said, "Emory Daily Pulse pays attention to outstanding students from all around the world and is very close to the daily life of the students. If you look at the previous news, you will find most of them are about students and the university. The lab I am working in has good atmosphere. People in the lab are enthusiastic and friendly. Overseas students and international exchange students are especially welcomed here. That’s why I was lucky to appear in the news."

Cardiology is a preponderant discipline of Emory University School of Medicine. With its outstanding scientific research ability and friendly and positive atmosphere, the Griendling cardiovascular lab is attracting overseas students and exchange students from all over the world. Xu Qian (Elsie) is still studying and doing research in the lab. After completing her research project at Emory, she will return to China to complete her MD. The experience in Emory University School of Medicine will surely become a precious treasure in her academic life.