NI Chujun, a 2023 Ph.D. graduate from College of Chemical and Biological Engineering (CBE), Zhejiang University（ZJU) has recently been appointed as the youngest researcher at the Ophthalmology Center of ZJU's Second Affiliated Hospital. With her innovative work on intelligent shape-shifting polymer materials, she is expected to catalyze significant advancements in ophthalmology. Her academic prowess is further evidenced by her first-author publication in Nature.
Having received secondary education from A-list schools, including Hangzhou Wenlan Middle School and Xuejun High School, NI has always pursued her academic goals with a rational and resolute approach. Her journey culminated at ZJU CBE, where she thrived under the institution's interdisciplinary and internationally integrated academic environment.
During her time at ZJU CBE, NI engaged in a variety of general courses to solidify her professional foundation and participated in innovative research projects and international exchanges, significantly broadening her academic perspective. "What I find most appealing about university is the gathering of outstanding individuals, which continuously fuels my inspiration and ideas," she shared.
In 2017, NI ventured to North Carolina State University for a summer research project, where she explored the realm of liquid metals under the mentorship of Professor Michael Dickey. This experience opened her eyes to the expansive possibilities in chemical engineering, leading her to the fascinating fields of flexible and shape memory materials.
NI's academic journey was further enriched by her collaboration with Professor XIE Tao, a colleague of Professor Dickey, delving into the world of shape memory materials. Her dedication and the synergistic efforts of her mentors and peers cultivated a fertile ground for her scientific curiosity.
Her quest to publish in Nature was fueled by her strong practical skills, critical thinking abilities, and the fresh perspectives gained from international experiences. NI's relentless pursuit of knowledge and interdisciplinary opportunities led to countless hours in the lab and productive brainstorming sessions.
NI's groundbreaking work on a new type of timed shape memory hydrogel material, which can deform autonomously without external stimuli, and for which the timing can be precisely controlled, has the potential to revolutionize the field of ophthalmology. Specifically, her research has led to the design of innovative devices for dry eye syndrome, aiming to address the limitations of traditional deformable plugs.
Despite facing rigorous peer review and significant pressure, NI persevered, exploring all possible avenues to refine her work. Finally, her paper was published in Nature in November 2023. The reviewers praised the paper for introducing a novel mechanism in the field, highlighting its innovative thinking and vast potential for research and application.
"The discovery may seem accidental, but it could be foreseen given NI's tenacity and depth in her research," said Professor XIE Tao.
It seems that NI's transition from chemical engineering to the medical field is a natural career choice. Her work on hydrogel materials, which have excellent biocompatibility and have been used in treating eye diseases, is set to enhance existing treatment methods and expand the application of hydrogels in ophthalmology.
ZJU CBE commitment to integrated training and original research in cutting-edge fields has equipped NI with a wealth of experience. Driven by her enthusiasm and research findings, she aspires to apply her work to modern medicine, specifically focusing on the treatment of eye diseases.
NI's contributions have garnered considerable attention, including from Professor YAO Ke, Director of the Ophthalmology Center at ZJU's Second Affiliated Hospital. "Ophthalmology is not short of skilled doctors; what we need are researchers like NI who can collaborate with these doctors to translate scientific findings into clinical benefits for patients," Professor YAO said, expressing his high expectations.
Upon entering the ophthalmology laboratory at the Second Affiliated Hospital, NI recognized the immense potential of her work: to continue her academic research, explore the application potential of new materials in ophthalmology, engage in interdisciplinary cooperation, publish high-level papers, apply for patents, and transform scientific research into tangible health benefits for the public.
