GU Chenhui, a second-year doctoral student from the School of Medicine, focuses on basic research and technological transformation of naturally derived vesicles in the musculoskeletal system. He has published six papers as the first/corresponding author in high-level journals such as Nature, Nature Nanotechnology, and JACS. He has applied for 17 national invention patents, with three already authorized, and has co-invented the patent Nano Platelets with his advisor, which has entered clinical application. He has been awarded the Chu Kochen Scholarship (the highest honor bestowed upon ZJU students), ZJU Top Ten Outstanding Students, National Scholarship and the gold prize of the 7th China College Students’ “Internet Plus” Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition.

During his sophomore year of undergraduate studies, GU developed a strong interest in scientific research. Under the guidance of Professor SUN Qiming from the School of Basic Medical Sciences, he learned molecular experimental techniques. Later, with the assistance of Senior Sister LIU Yijun from the Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology, he received further guidance in research. Although he didn't publish high-quality articles during his undergraduate studies, this period of research experience became a valuable asset on his research journey. After, he was fortunate to meet Professor FAN Shunwu and Senior Brothers LIN Xianfeng and CHEN Pengfei, who taught him the most important aspect of research: to stay curious and take action. 

During the research process, GU experienced setbacks and confusion, but he always pursued the path of research with love and interest, guided by curiosity and driven by perseverance. With passion as his guide and persistence as his motivation, he silently accumulated strength, calmly faced challenges, and ultimately shone brightly. 

GU believes that scientific research should be about doing things that are useful to people. The  projects he has been involved in are mostly studies with real clinical or scientific value. When he and the laboratory members witnessed the medical miracle created by nano platelets, the belief in genuinely alleviating patients' suffering further strengthened his sense of accomplishment. This pride in the translation of achievements has always supported him, giving him more motivation to face the difficulties and setbacks in the research process. 

During the research process, GU believes that writing papers and submitting them for publication play crucial roles. Scientific research is like telling a story, with inspiration coming from solid practice, and the development and conclusion of the story requiring rigorous analysis and strong support. Scientific research is not only reflected in papers but also in the stories we tell ourselves. On the journey of scientific research, we are not only solvers of problems but also creators of questions through self-reflection. 

Various competitions during his graduate studies have greatly helped his research journey, especially the “Challenge Cup” National College Students’ Extracurricular Academic Science and Technology Contest. He has always believed that competitions and research complement each other: competitions make one aware of their shortcomings, while research provides the foundation for competitions. When competitions and research are both pressing, it's difficult to find shortcuts, and the only way is to make time, a process that is painful but fulfilling. Accompanied by like-minded friends, they jointly overcome academic challenges in research, and try to promote the development of medical careers.

Adapted and translated from the article written by Doctoral Students' Union of Zhejiang University 

Translator: ZHAO Hanle ('24, Education)

Editor: HAN Xiao ('25 PhD, Education), TIAN Minjie