The Power of “Allow”
When asked to encapsulate Fudan in one word, Audrey's unexpected choice—“allow”—unlocks a world of academic philosophy. “As for professors, they are really responsible and willing to meet you at their offices. As for yourself, there're so many chances, so you'll never be afraid that you have nothing to choose. If you want to achieve something, all you need is to show your confidence and take the initiative,” said Audrey.
From the Tengfei Innovation Program (where she dove into large language models as a freshman) to the intensive Top Talent Program, Audrey's academic map keeps expanding. She transitioned from algorithms to CPU architecture, now pursuing neuroscience. Currently, she's preparing to collaborate with a neuroscientist joining Fudan next year.
“Most of the students in the program are Chinese students. I was worried at first that they didn't accept international students, but I enrolled in the program successfully.” Now she is planning to further her study in neuroscience.
A Cultural Alchemist
Audrey's fascination with China began in childhood, kindled by Hegel's writings and Marxist theory. Now, she's become a cultural hybrid—a Taoism enthusiast who analyzes Beijing Opera classics like Diao Chan and Lü Bu while picking up its stylized movements.
Her linguistic prowess adds to the mystique: she studies Classical Chinese and crafts essays in this ancient written language. When I tell teammates 'I'm Chinese', they half-believe me—my accent's nearly native, she grins. Beyond tradition, she vibes with modern geek culture, sporting an itabag plastered with anime pins and co-creating fan films about video games.
This April, Audrey bridged eras again: performing drum routines with international peers in hanfu attire. My name '赛' (sài, 'to compete') isn't just a word, she reflects. At Fudan, every challenge is an invitation to grow. As she choreographs her next act—neuroscience research blended with AI—Audrey embodies what happens when curiosity meets allowed space: a symphony of cross-cultural discovery.
(END)
Presented by Fudan University Media Center
Writer: ZHOU Yiting, WANG Mengqi
Editor: LI Yijie
