On April 1, 2026, a vibrant spring day at the Gulou Campus of Nanjing University, a unique dialogue between students and faculty unfolded. The School of Earth Sciences and Engineering (SESE) successfully hosted its fifth "Fun with Earth" luncheon, inviting five esteemed international scholars to engage with the 2025 freshman cohort. High-level foreign talents, including Professor Norman MacLeod, Professor Anatoly Belonoshko, Associate Professor Shohei Hattori, and postdoctoral researchers Giyoon Lee and Alexis Lamothe, gathered in the Gulou for an in-depth, cross-border, and interdisciplinary exchange with 14 freshmen from the geosciences division. The event was hosted by undergraduate counselor Bai Ruorong, with participation from Ms. Xu Shuyi of the SESE International Cooperation Affairs Office.
The event commenced with Ms. Xu Shuyi detailing the functions and achievements of the SESE International Cooperation Affairs Office. She highlighted the school's ongoing internationalization strategy, which includes introducing high-level overseas faculty and expanding collaborative networks with renowned global universities and research institutions. This initiative provides students with diverse opportunities such as overseas internships, joint training programs, and international academic exchanges. Ms. Xu also extended an invitation to the regular "coffee time" events, encouraging students to actively participate, converse with foreign teachers in a relaxed atmosphere, and integrate into the school's international community.
Amidst warm applause, the five international educators shared their academic trajectories and research passions.
Professor Norman MacLeod from the UK opened the session with his signature humor and profound insights, recounting his own educational journey to illustrate the infinite possibilities of diverse geological development. Encouraging students to choose paths aligned with their passions, he affectionately remarked, "Earth is everything," emphasizing that choosing geology means embracing the mission to explore our planet.
Professor Anatoly Belonoshko from Russia took a physics perspective, using accessible yet scientifically rigorous language to introduce the application of computational methods in deep earth mineral analysis, exposing freshmen to the charm of interdisciplinary studies.
Associate Professor Shohei Hattori from Japan clearly and concisely reviewed his cross-border educational and research experiences, focusing on the significance of glaciers in environmental geochemistry and sparking students' interest in global change issues.
Continuing this theme, Postdoc Giyoon Lee from South Korea and Postdoc Alexis Lamothe from France discussed the role of polar ice cores in recording paleoclimate and the distribution and scientific significance of mountain ice cores, respectively.
Their vivid presentations transformed geological concepts from textbook theories into lively, cutting-edge research realities.
The free-flowing exchange session pushed the luncheon's atmosphere to its peak. Guided by the teachers' warm and open demeanor, students eagerly posed questions spanning academic pursuits, personal life, present challenges, and future aspirations. Topics ranged from the faculty's experiences coming to teach at Nanjing University and strategies for maintaining a healthy work-life balance, to effective methods for studying geology deeply and current hot topics in the earth sciences. Some students even drew upon their hometowns and travel experiences to discuss the geographical significance of glacial phenomena. The faculty provided rigorous yet witty responses, sharing their authentic experiences in scientific research—from the joy of breakthroughs to the confusion and persistence required during the exploration process—painting a realistic picture of future research paths for the freshmen. When asked for advice, several foreign teachers unanimously emphasized the critical importance of mastering solid general basic skills, identifying them as the cornerstone for any professional direction.
This "Fun with Earth" luncheon event concluded in a relaxed and joyful atmosphere. The event not only bridged the gap between freshmen and international faculty but also fostered an open, inclusive, and interactive college culture. Through these engaging shares and sincere conversations, freshmen from Anbang College gained a multidimensional understanding of SESE, a concrete perception of disciplinary frontiers, and clearer reflections on their future professional choices and academic trajectories.
SESE consistently places internationalization at the core of its development, aiming to build a world-class discipline. Moving forward, the school will continue leveraging signature platforms like the "Fun with Earth" luncheon to enrich international educational initiatives, promote mutual growth among Chinese and foreign students and faculty through academic and intellectual exchange, and continuously cultivate outstanding geoscience talents equipped with national dedication, global vision, and innovative capabilities.
Written by: Bai Ruorong, Xia Hongyang
Reviewd by: Yao Jing
