The N.E.T. community is honored to announce two N.E.T. students, as well as student representatives, Yongjie Sun and Xuechun Shen as this year’s winners of the Community Impact Award. Both recipients commented on the encouragement and affirmation that receiving the award provided felt and look forward to a bright future in their research careers.
Entering his first year in master’s study in Applied Psychology, Yongjie Sun is a member of Professor Pekka Santtila’s team, where his research focuses on utilizing natural language processing techniques to assist in improving investigative interviews with abused children, as well as analyzing the behavioral patterns of law enforcement officers during case investigations.
Xuechun Shen, a Ph.D. student, conducts research on higher-order cognitive functions in Professor Li Li ‘s Perception and Action lab, focusing on understanding the neural mechanisms of processing real optic flow in the human brain.
Both Yongjie Sun and Xuechun Shen share how their research journeys have been shaped by their mentors, and peers and the opportunities and resources available to them through N.E.T.
What do you find unique about the N.E.T. Program?
How has being a member of the N.E.T. community affected you and your research?
Yongjie Sun: “I believe the strength of the N.E.T. program lies in its integration of multiple disciplines and its inclusion of researchers with both Chinese and international perspectives, providing diverse research viewpoints. Some of my research involves core knowledge outside my field of expertise, such as technical issues. These technologies are relatively less used in China, but by consulting with students from other laboratories in the N.E.T. program, I have received answers and assistance. Joining the N.E.T. program has greatly broadened my research perspective. My advisor, Professor Pekka Santtila, places great emphasis on the practical application of research. Many of his research findings have been directly applied to investigative systems in countries such as Japan and Finland. This has made me realize that research is not only about solving theoretical problems; more importantly, we can apply theoretical findings to society in practical ways through experimental research and field studies, generating tangible impacts.”
Xuechun Shen: “The N.E.T. Program is unique because it allows domestic students to engage in an international research environment and work on cutting-edge research topics. The program facilitates collaboration between various institutes, providing a platform for interdisciplinary research and innovation. I have benefited from the program by participating in interdisciplinary discussions, attending seminars, and collaborating with researchers from different labs. This has enriched my research perspective, allowing me to integrate diverse methodologies and approaches into my work. The program also offers access to advanced facilities and resources essential for conducting high-quality research. As a student representative, I believe the most significant impact of the activities we organize is providing opportunities for N.E.T. students to communicate with each other. In daily life, everyone is usually scattered across different campuses, and there are few opportunities for cross-disciplinary and cross-laboratory exchanges. Our activities offer a platform for everyone to connect with each other and share their experiences. The gatherings also allow everyone to relax and unwind, providing some leisure time amidst the intense research work. ”
