You are an alumna of Guangxi University, China. Why did you choose to study at BME?
Gao Min: Firstly, due to China’s One Belt, One Road Strategy, which Hungary joined as the first European country, providing opportunities for Chinese business people, but also students as me, to find opportunities in Hungary.
As a master student, I had a dream to study on PhD level abroad. My husband applied and received the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship. Then we decided to come to Hungary together. It was an easy task to choose BME as an optical engineer, as there is a well-known department focusing on optics at the university (BME MOGI). Here I met my supervisor, Dr. Balázs Vince Nagy, researcher of human vision.
Secondly, my husband is also working on his PhD at the faculty, just at another department (Department of Polymer Engineering). He told me that the professors and lecturers are friendly and helpful. They can provide useful help for research, and indeed, the laboratory equipment is comprehensive, which means a lot for a researcher.
How do you like studying in Budapest?
Gao Min: Actually, my favourite place in the city is Margaret Island. I am keen on running; I have already run 250 kilometres since I am here in Budapest. Also, the island is a perfect place for relaxing. A favourite to-do of us is visiting thermal baths. When a paper of ours is accepted, my husband and I visit a thermal bath to celebrate. Luckily, we have several choices to go – as Budapest has eleven thermal baths.
By the way, the food I like the most is goulash soup, which I can also prepare by myself. The other one is lángos (pronunciation: langosh), a thick, dough bread, which I like without cheese.
So, what can you tell about your research topic, the human visual electrophysiology?
Gao Min: Human vision electrophysiology studies when you get some light stimulation, your retina responds with an electric signal. This signal, moreover, also shows, whether you have some disease or not. I’m investigating how to process this electric signal and new retina stimulation opportunities.
If you want to read more about the experiences of Gao Min, please visit the official blog site of the BME Faculty of Mechanical Engineering here! Please, visit the website of the International Mentor Team of the University to get more information for your stay here in Hungary.