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Xin Zhou, STRIDE Student of the Month: June

School of Marine & Atmospheric Sciences

 

Xin-Zhou

Xin Zhou is a graduate student within the School of Marine & Atmospheric Sciences who has been very active within the STRIDE program since its inception. An alumnus of Sun Yat-Sen University in China, he earned a dual degree in both atmospheric science as well as public relations. He went on to earn a Master’s degree in Atmospheric Sciences from the University of Wyoming prior to beginning his doctoral studies here at Stony Brook.

While Xin had early aspirations of becoming a physician, his plans changed once becoming interested in the effects of extreme weather conditions. He says, “Science is meaningful. In 2008, right before Chinese New Year, when most of us were going home to be with our families, the railways were shut down because of a big snow storm. I realized that weather influences our lives.”

Xin says, “If we had more accurate weather forecasts we could make better decisions and advise people better.” For this reason, his future goals include plans to do more research related to climate change. He says, “I’m interested in how to slow down the changing climate by changes in energy consumption, such as by harvesting wind energy or solar panels. Our consumption of fossil fuels is causing global warming.”

When asked who has been his greatest inspiration in life, Xin responded without hesitation that his father has been a source of academic encouragement. Born in a small village without great opportunities for education, Xin’s father ultimately got the chance to attend a college which trained teachers. Though he lacked the formal education of his peers, through hard work and perseverance, his dad managed to graduate in the top five of his class. This fact has stayed with Xin and gives him encouragement even throughout his own academic struggles.

Xin, who has diverse interests outside of science—including a love for singing, cooking, and a newfound hobby as a flutist—appreciates the opportunities STRIDE offers beyond the scope of research. “STRIDE covers multiple disciplines and integrates other skills together. It gives me the opportunity to talk to other audiences. A point many researchers tend to miss is the communication. Many college professors cannot communicate effectively and because of that we felt so disconnected. What is his research? What are the impacts? Communication is such an important part of the research. Results are more meaningful when you can communicate them.”