Q: What advantages has the SAO Predoctoral Program offered you in terms of your studies and career?

A: The SAO Predoctoral Program has offered me a good opportunity to acquire greater knowledge about solar physics from many excellent scientists. In the process of enriching my knowledge of solar physics, I have learned a lot about methods dealing with data from many telescopes. This experience will help me throughout my career.

Q: Are there many opportunities to interact with other graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and staff scientists in your field?

A: Without a doubt, there are lots of famous scientists and young, active researchers. They are very open and friendly. Also, there are many kinds of meetings where one can interact face-to-face with other graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and staff scientists in similar fields.

Q: How would you describe the atmosphere at the CfA?

A: No bias, no grades, all the people here are very open. They help each other and work actively as one team.

Q: What about outside of the lab, do you live far from here?

A: I live in Somerville. It is not far (about a 20-minute walk) from CfA. There are two supermarkets near my apartment, which is very convenient.

Q: Do you like living in the Boston area?

A: Yes, I like to living in the Boston area. In particular, near the Charles River, there are 100-year-old trees, as well as many famous universities and lively people.

Q: While you are actually in the lab, how much do you work with the other graduate students, the postdocs, and your principle investigator?

A: Almost every day we meet each other. We talk about topics of mutual interest regularly.

Q: Would you recommend the SAO Predoctoral Program to other graduate students in your field?

A: Yes, I would. It has been so helpful. You can’t image how much benefit I have gotten from it.

Q: What is a typical day like for you?

A: I check my email first and then answer some letters if necessary. Next, I check the calendar to see whether there is a group meeting. If so, I prepare and attend it. It is a good opportunity to communicate with other colleagues. Maybe, I attend a scientific talk at noon. I rest at noon. Next, I continue to study my thesis work. I also ask for help from other colleagues when I get stuck. Occasionally, I try to decipher some data for our group before going home.

Q: Any last thoughts on what you might say to someone who is thinking of coming here?

A: Don’t hesitate to come here before you loss the perfect opportunity.

Q: What is the focus and direction of your research?

A: My research direction is solar physics. I mainly focus on solar eruptions. The solar eruption usually includes filament eruption, flare, coronal mass ejection (CME), dimming, EIT wave and so on. Solar eruptions play an important role in space weather.

Q: How have the facilities and personnel resources at the CfA furthered your research project?

A: CfA issued me a new computer and a strong platform with solar software and databases, which have improved my study. Personnel resources ensure that my work and life in the CfA go smoothly.

Q: How has your particular research area evolved since you have arrived at the CfA?

A: When I arrived at the CfA, my advisors introduced me to the scientists and postdocs engaged in similiar research. They showed me what they are doing and I introduced my work to them. After several discussions, they helped me determine my thesis topic. They also began to learn about how to gather, deal with, and analyze the data I need. The weekly group meetings help facilitate my understanding tremendously.

Q: How much interaction do you have with other divisions within the CfA?

A: I have close interaction with SSP (Solar, Stellar, and Planetary Sciences). I talk with people in that group frequently.

Q: How would you describe the community at the CfA in terms of research and social activity?

A: This is a harmonious community.