HNC Scholars

Our HNC Masters students have a formal thesis defense as part of their academic program, and thesis advisors are not allowed to participate. A three-professor review committee judges their work – and this past year three Chinese HNC students were judged to have “outstanding” theses.

Of course, I was especially thrilled because all three students were part of our new Energy, Resources & Environment (ERE) program — & I had the privilege of serving as their advisor.

Mr. Du Yufan (at right in the photo) wrote a thesis looking at the potential for linkage between the EU’s Emissions Trading Scheme and China’s nascent national emissions trading program, which is scheduled to begin next year. Yufan will be heading to Oxford University in the UK later this year to continue his academic studies.

Ms. Cheng Huihui (center in the photo) conducted a preliminary health risk assessment of dioxin emissions associated with agricultural burning. This is a particularly difficult problem in China, given the extent of agricultural burning and the overuse of pesticides. She has accepted a position with Clean Air Asia in Beijing, and will be working with its China Director, my good friend and colleague Dr. Fu Lu.

And Ms. Wang Zixi (on the left) analyzed the effects of China’s green credit policies on overcapacity in the coal mining industry. She has been working in the banking sector, and will be continuing her work in green finance.

I’ve been exceptionally lucky to have such bright and enthusiastic students in ERE — & I look forward to following these three throughout their (no doubt comparably “outstanding”!) future careers.