Luyun ZHANG, Duke University, participated in research practice at PKU GHD from May to July 2025

My name is Luyun, and I worked as a research assistant at Peking University’s Institute for Global Health and Development this summer. This experience turned out to be far more rewarding than I had expected. I engaged with leading-edge research projects that had not yet been published, attended lectures and seminars delivered by renowned scholars, and felt the deep satisfaction that comes with learning and discovery.

Equally meaningful was the community I encountered. The institute felt like an energetic and supportive family. Although students and researchers were immersed in diverse projects, they came together regularly to exchange ideas, share reflections on recent readings, and support one another both academically and personally. This atmosphere of collaboration and encouragement not only enriched my academic experience but also fostered meaningful personal growth.

Coming from a different academic background, I was especially moved by the intellectual depth and real-world significance of global health. This research assistantship has become a truly valuable chapter in my life — one that has deepened my appreciation for global health and affirmed its lasting importance.