Next fall, Neuroscience concentrator Joyce Zhou (‘23) will join a cohort of outstanding recent graduates as a Schwarzman Scholar at Tsinghua University in Beijing. The Schwarzman Scholarship supports students from around the world as they pursue a master‘s degree in Global Affairs from Tsinghua.
“I am drawn to the program’s emphasis on developing relationships and leadership skills as I believe that strong and empathetic leadership is crucial in an increasingly globalized world,” Zhou says. “The opportunity to collaborate and study with immensely talented and diverse scholars, as well as to learn from and be mentored by high-level industry experts, were also major factors in my decision to apply. Lastly, I believe that learning about China can help me better understand its values and perspectives and how these in turn shape its policies and innovations. Studying China is important to understand the country and its role in the world and to develop the skills and knowledge needed for meaningful and impactful engagement.”
Zhou is looking forward to spending a year immersed in China‘s culture and traditions. She plans on exploring museums and historic sites, sampling the local cuisine, and connecting with other students and community members at Tsinghua. “I believe that studying abroad in Beijing will provide me with a unique opportunity to learn about and experience firsthand the exciting advancements and innovations happening in China,” she says.
“Joyce has always been a student who is unafraid to challenge herself and pursue a wide range of passions, ranging from creative writing to computational neuroscience,” says Neuroscience Associate Concentration Advisor Laura Magnotti. “She is also someone who is not content to sit on the sidelines; rather, she prefers to take the initiative and turn thoughts and ideas into action. Along with her converging academic interests at the intersection of science, policymaking, and development, these leadership skills make her a perfect choice for a Schwarzman Scholar.”
Acknowledging the support of her family and friends, including her classmates in the Harvard Neuroscience community, is also important to Zhou. “None of this would have been possible without the support and confidence that my friends, family, and mentors have shared with me,” she says. “I know that I would not be where I am today without their guidance and encouragement, and I look forward to making the most of this opportunity thanks to their trust and belief in me.”
Zhou adds that she feels incredibly grateful to be chosen as a Schwarzman Scholar. “The application process was eye-opening and allowed me to deeply reflect on my personal and professional goals,” she says. “It is very humbling to have that vision be recognized and supported in a community with tremendous scholars across the world. I am excited and hopeful that my time as a Schwarzman Scholar will provide me with unique perspectives on the forces that are shaping our world—how they form, how they change over time, and how they can be leveraged to uplift and empower.”
