The N.E.T. Program Award Committee is pleased to announce Master’s student in Optics Hao Zeng as a recipient of the 2026 N.E.T. Award for Research Excellence. Having also received the award in 2025, this recognition reflects his sustained commitment to research and continued contributions to the field. Zeng graduated this June with a Master’s degree in Optics and will continue his academic journey as a PhD student at NYU Shanghai.
Working under the supervision of Professor Xiang Sun, Zeng conducts research on nonadiabatic quantum dynamics in condensed phases. His work seeks to understand how quantum systems evolve and interact with complex environments, contributing to theoretical methods that help explain chemical and physical processes at the molecular level.
For Zeng, curiosity about the natural world began long before graduate school. “Even in primary school, I was always asking what some people might call ‘silly’ questions,” he recalls. “I may not have known exactly what science was at the time, but I was fascinated by understanding how the world works.” Today, that curiosity has evolved into a passion for fundamental scientific research.
As a member of Professor Sun’s research group, Zeng studies complex quantum phenomena using computational approaches and advanced theoretical models. He credits Professor Sun as the person who has most influenced his development as a researcher.
“Professor Sun has helped me develop the habits and mindset necessary for scientific research,” Zeng says. “Through frequent discussions and project guidance, he has taught me how to approach research problems systematically and critically.” Regular meetings with his advisor and weekly group discussions have also provided valuable opportunities to exchange ideas, receive feedback, and refine research directions.
Like many graduate students, Zeng has encountered challenges during his research journey. One of the most significant has been learning how to efficiently navigate the scientific literature.
“Reading research papers is essential, but I initially found it difficult to balance understanding technical details with maintaining a broad perspective,” he explains. “Through continuous practice, I have gradually improved my ability to read and synthesize the literature more effectively.”
Zeng believes one of the greatest strengths of the NYU Shanghai–ECNU Joint Graduate Training Program is its international academic environment. The program has strengthened his ability to communicate in English in academic settings while providing access to broader research resources and computational infrastructure through the collaboration between NYU Shanghai and ECNU.
Beyond research, Zeng values the interdisciplinary nature of the N.E.T. community. “Interacting with students from different academic backgrounds has exposed me to new ways of thinking and different research questions,” he says. “The friendships and collaborations I have built through the program have made my graduate experience especially rewarding.”
Receiving the 2026 N.E.T. Award for Research Excellence serves as both recognition of Zeng’s accomplishments and motivation for future work. “This award is an affirmation of my research efforts,” he says. “It encourages me to continue working hard and pursue new scientific discoveries with renewed energy and focus.”
The N.E.T. Award Committee congratulates Hao Zeng on this achievement and looks forward to his continued contributions to scientific research.