experience:
yizhou xing

Yizhou Xing

(From China)

– ”Wetsus is a playground where you can always experiment with your ideas, explore different possibilities, and meet nice people”.

Where are you from and what’s your academic background?
I ‘m from Beijing, China. I studied environmental engineering for both my bachelor and master degrees. My research focuses on biopolymer production from waste streams. I’m interested in understanding microbial competition within mixed cultures and applying this knowledge to enhance bioprocess performance.

Why did you decide to become a PhD researcher at Wetsus?
I did my master thesis at Eawag, Switzerland. During that time, I became fascinated by how bioprocess conditions can make certain microorganisms become the “winners” in a jungle of bacteria and perform beneficial functions for humans. I found that this project at Wetsus fell quite well into my interests, so I just decided to follow my passion and curiosity and continue exploring the microbial world. Looking back, I’m truly glad I made this decision because I love the research I’m doing now.

How do you experience your time at Wetsus so far?
I arrived at Wetsus nearly three years ago. These 3 years have given me some truly unforgettable experiences. Here, you can take on many different roles—not just as a PhD researcher, but also as a supervisor, a company partner, a lunch presentation host, or even a pianist at the conference. Each role offers unique insights and enriching experiences! Before coming here, I thought pursuing a PhD would mean giving up some of my hobbies due to the busy research life. But I was wrong! As a piano player, I had the incredible opportunity to perform at the Wetsus scientific conference, which was a truly special moment in my life (and a childhood dream came true!). I have also developed some new hobbies together with a group of nice Wetsus people, like ping-pong, bouldering, wind surfing and repairing bikes. I enjoyed my time here, it’s a lot of fun!

What do you think is special/unique about Wetsus?
For me, the most unique aspect of Wetsus is the people you meet here. PhD researchers and staff are always supportive and kind. You also have the opportunities to talk to different people working in academia and industry who are willing to share their valuable insights from different perspectives. I’ve had a great time working closely with my industrial partners and have had many inspiring conversations with them. With all these people together, you hear many different stories, learn new skills, and gain a deeper understanding of yourself. I can’t imagine how much fun I would miss out on if I weren’t working with these wonderful and inspiring people.

How is doing a PhD at Wetsus helpful for your further career?
The scientific knowledge I’ve gained during my PhD will undoubtedly be valuable for my future career. Additionally, I’ve become better at time management and more resilient to stress. Doing a PhD also changed my way of thinking. While I’m not sure if I’m necessarily getting “smarter”, I’ve definitely developed a more active and critical mindset!

You are taking the PhD – MBA trajectory at Wetsus, what and how do you think it will contribute to your future career?
I’m really grateful for the opportunity to pursue an MBA alongside a PhD at Wetsus. This combination provides me with a unique blend of scientific expertise and business knowledge, allowing me to bridge research and industry with strategic thinking.

Tell us your funniest anecdote of your time at Wetsus.
It is a tradition in Wetsus that every new PhD researcher and staff member will be invited to go to the front during the monthly lunch speech to introduce themselves and share their favorite Wetsus value. When I was asked about mine, I immediately said ‘HAPPINESS’ without a second of hesitation. However, the happiness isn’t one of the values of Wetsus. Everyone in the atrium laughed, but it showed just how happy I was at the time.

What do you think of the Netherlands?
The friendly and open-minded people in the Netherlands create a welcoming atmosphere for internationals. Leeuwarden is a charming and cozy city, and I always enjoy sitting at a café in the city center by the canal.

The weather here in winter can be challenging for someone like me who enjoys outdoor activities. I would recommend to take a nice holiday—like a ski trip in the Alps—to soak up the sunshine when the weather here isn’t ideal.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
One of my MBTI Personality Types is Perceiving (P), and perceiving-oriented individuals tend to plan less. But if I have to give one answer to this question, I want to be the best piano player among the scientists in the world.

What would you say to people who are still in doubt about doing a PhD at Wetsus?
Doing a PhD may come with some stressful moments and exhausting nights. But at Wetsus, you’re never alone—you have supportive supervisors, peers, and colleagues who are always willing to listen to you, share their feelings and thoughts, and exchange experiences with you. All of this contributes to a fruitful and unforgettable journey.

experience:yizhou xing

experience:
yizhou xing