"Hello everyone! I am Kashan Khan from Pakistan, a doctoral student in the School of Civil Engineering. I am very honored today to speak as a representative of the graduates and to share my growth story with you." On the morning of July 5th, at Tianjin University's 2024 Commencement ceremony for graduate students, Pakistani student Kashan Khan confidently stood at the podium and delivered his speech in fluent Mandarin. His impeccable speech earned rounds of warm applause from the attending teachers and students.
Kashan's academic achievements are nothing short of extraordinary. During his doctoral studies, he published 26 high-level papers, 16 of which he authored or co-authored as the first or corresponding author. The cumulative impact factor of these papers exceeds 90, making him the doctoral student with the most published papers ever in his research group. Furthermore, he has served as a reviewer for more than 10 SCI journals. His research contributions have garnered high praise in academic circles both domestically and internationally.
When asked about the key to his research success, Kashan attributed it to three main factors: passion, diligence, and the encouragement and guidance from his mentors. "These three factors made me who I am today," Kashan said with conviction.
Driven by Passion, Journeying to China
Engaging in the civil engineering industry has been Kashan's dream since childhood. "My father is an engineer. When I was young, I saw many construction machines at his workplace, which sparked my great interest in this field," he reminisced.
Kashan pursued his undergraduate studies at Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology in Karachi, Pakistan. It was there that he solidified his future research direction. "There was a course called Steel Structure Design. From this course, I learned that structural issues are one of the most important research directions in the civil engineering industry, and steel structure buildings are the future trend in construction." Influenced by this course, after graduating with his bachelor's degree, Kashan decided to focus his further studies on steel structures.
"After obtaining my bachelor's degree in Pakistan, I dreamed of studying in a country with strong civil engineering expertise and infrastructure capabilities. After thorough research and investigation, I discovered that besides the Great Wall, which is a world wonder, China has the most buildings among the world's 10 tallest buildings. I was convinced that studying in China would be my best choice," Kashan explained.
In 2016, at the age of 22, Kashan embarked on a journey to China fueled by his passion for civil engineering and dreams for the future. This marked the beginning of an adventure filled with both challenges and rewards.
Diligence and Persistence: The Only Way to Success
On the worktable of Kashan within the Steel Structure Research Institute at Tianjin University's School of Civil Engineering, there is always a silver insulated lunchbox. This lunchbox signals to the research group members that Kashan, the Pakistani doctoral student, is working in the lab all day again. "When the project is at a critical stage, every minute and every second counts," he explains. Kashan brings his lunch and dinner from home daily and heats them in the microwave to save time. "This saves a lot of time from going back and forth to the canteens," he adds with a smile.
Kashan's diligence is apparent to everyone. He often works from 8 AM until 11 PM, rarely taking breaks, even on holidays. "From 2018 to January this year, I have been so busy with research that I haven't returned home once," he says.
This relentless effort has borne fruit. During his doctoral studies, under the guidance of his supervisor, Kashan actively participated in two national-level research projects and three provincial-level research projects. He also collaborated with professors from Northumbria University, the University of London, and Western University in Canada on steel structure modular construction.
"Our research results have been applied in several construction projects in China, such as the South Port Project in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, and some residential buildings in Tianjin," Kashan shares. The successful implementation of these research results has further solidified his determination to continue his work.
"I strongly agree with a Chinese proverb, 'Nothing in the world is difficult for one who sets his mind to it.'" Kashan recalls a significant challenge he faced in his second year of doctoral studies while conducting experiments. To ensure the experimental specimens were completed with quality and on time, he traveled over three hours daily for 20 consecutive days to a processing plant in the suburbs of Tianjin, working 12-hour days alongside workers from various parts of China who spoke different dialects.
"This experience was full of hardships but also filled with joy. I not only learned several dialects but also made many friends and earned their recognition," Kashan recounts. He vividly remembers the moment on the last day when he was leaving the factory. The manager patted him on the shoulder and encouraged him, saying, "Young man, you have a bright future ahead." At that moment, Kashan couldn't hold back his tears.
Trust and Support: The Greatest Motivation to Move Forward
In the eyes of Kashan's doctoral supervisor, Professor Chen Zhihua, Kashan is a nearly perfect, dedicated, and selfless student. "He has a tenacious spirit, and I believe he will shine in the international field of civil engineering."
The appreciation and trust from his teachers have also been an inexhaustible source of motivation for Kashan. "At Tianjin University, both the teachers from the School of International Education and my supervisor have given me great help and trust."
Under the guidance and help of the teachers from the School of International Education, Kashan quickly overcame language barriers, successively obtaining certificates for HSK Level 4, Level 5, and Advanced Oral Chinese. When his supervisor, Professor Chen Zhihua, learned that he had achieved an excellent score of 284 out of 300 in the HSK Level 4 exam, he happily announced the news to the research group. "At that time, there were about 100 people in the institute, and everyone stood up and applauded for me. The encouragement and excitement I felt were beyond words."
It is precisely this continuous care and support that have allowed Kashan to thrive in his studies at Tianjin University, achieving great success both in language and research. His feelings for Tianjin University and China have grown deeper. After graduating with his doctorate, facing over 30 job offers from countries like the UK, Canada, and China, Kashan chose to stay at Tianjin University for postdoctoral research, continuing his path in scientific research.
Gratitude and Giving Back to TJU
Kashan is full of confidence and expectation for the future. He hopes to achieve more breakthroughs in his research field through his efforts and apply his knowledge to practical engineering to advance construction technology.
"I am especially grateful to the Chinese government for giving me this opportunity to study in China and to Tianjin University for educating me. I hope to use better research achievements to give back to China and contribute to building a community with a shared future for mankind," Kashan said firmly.
Kashan's story is not only a model of an international student succeeding in China but also a vivid portrayal of the friendship and cooperation between China and Pakistan. His experience inspires more young students to bravely pursue their dreams, cross borders, and realize their value in the era of globalization.
By Eva Yin
