On the morning of August 25, the Food Science and Technology (FS) Programme welcomed its 2026 undergraduate freshmen at a meeting held in T8-503. This year, the programme welcomed 71 freshmen, including 48 students from the Chinese mainland, 2 from Hong Kong and Macao , and 21 international students. Faculty and staff members, PhD students, peer mentors, and the freshmen gathered together to mark the beginning of a new academic journey. The meeting was hosted by Prof. Bruce Baojun XU, Head of the Department of Life Sciences and Associate Dean of Faculty of Science and Technology.

FS 2026 Freshmen Welcome Meeting

At the beginning of the meeting, Prof. Xu warmly welcomed the freshmen to the FS Programme. After briefly sharing his educational background, major research interests, and teaching experience, he introduced the FS teaching team and invited faculty members to introduce themselves.

Prof. Bruce Baojun XU

Prof. Bo LEI introduced his academic and research background and, drawing on the experimental nature of food science, he shared a simple but memorable message with the students: “Do not trust anything unless you test it.” He encouraged them to develop a rigorous and evidence-based mindset in their future studies and experiments, and wished them a rewarding university journey.

Prof. Bo LEI

Dr. Aimee Ya WANG introduced her educational background, research interests, and the core courses she teaches. She expressed her anticipation of meeting the students in chemistry-related courses and encouraged them to make the most of their four years at BNBU while enjoying a fulfilling university life.

Dr. Aimee Ya WANG

Joining the meeting online, Dr. Alisa Wenmeng HE shared her academic background and research work. She expressed her excitement about meeting the students in the Introduction to Food Science course and looked forward to learning and growing together with them throughout their four years at BNBU.

Dr. Raymond Xiaoyu LUO introduced his research areas and shared some of his experiences in university study and personal development. Highlighting the wide range of opportunities available at BNBU, including internships, practical activities, and academic competitions, he encouraged students to make good use of the opportunities and broaden their horizons. He also reminded the freshmen that they are always welcome to communicate with faculty members whenever they face difficulties in their studies or daily life.

Dr. Raymond Xiaoyu LUO

Dr. Yan Qin TAN shared her educational journey and teaching experience. As a Malaysian Chinese faculty member and an academic mentor under the Mentor Caring Programme (MCP), she pays particular attention to how international students adapt to university life. She encouraged freshmen to reach out to her whenever they need support with their studies or daily life.

Dr. Yan Qin TAN

Dr. Yue LUO introduced the courses she teaches and shared her own educational journey. As an alumna of the BNBU’s Food Science and Technology Programme, she encouraged the freshmen to stay curious, explore different aspects of university life, and discover their own potential while enjoying university over the next four years.

Dr. Yue LUO

Prof. Xu also introduced the programme’s teaching assistants, laboratory staff, and PhD students, helping the freshmen to be familiar with the academic, teaching and research support available within the programme.

Following the faculty introductions, Prof. Xu provided an overview of the FS curriculum and introduced the courses available at BNBU. This session provided the freshmen with an initial understanding of their academic pathway ahead and possible development paths during their undergraduate studies.

The meeting then moved on to the “Students Activities & Internships” session. Ms. Xu LI introduced a wide range of activities, competitions, student clubs, study tours, industry collaborations, and other practical opportunities available to FS students. She encouraged the freshmen to actively participate and develop their skills through practical experience.

Ms. Xu LI introduces student activities and opportunities

Towards the end of the meeting, Ms. Kexin ZHANG introduced the development paths of previous graduates and highlighted representative student achievements. Through examples of alumni pursuing further studies at top universities in China and overseas, as well as graduates beginning their careers at leading companies, she provided the freshmen a clearer picture of the academic and career opportunities available to FS graduates. Drawing on the experiences of previous cohorts, she encouraged the freshmen to make good use of their university years, continuously improve themselves, and pursue development both within and beyond academic study.

Ms. Kexin ZHANG introduces the achievements and development of previous students

After the meeting, the academic mentors led their groups on a tour of the food science laboratories. The freshmen were introduced to the overall laboratory layout, the main functions of different laboratories and facilities, and laboratory safety requirements. The tour provided the freshmen their first close-up view and understanding of the programme’s laboratory facilities and helped prepare them for future laboratory courses and research activities.

Prof. Bruce Baojun XU leads the freshmen on a laboratory tour

Group photo of the 2026 freshmen and faculty members

The welcome meeting marked the beginning of a new chapter for the 2026 FS freshmen. We look forward to seeing the 2026 freshmen remain curious and motivated, grow through study and practice, and make the most of their four years at BNBU.

Photo | Xianli XU

Text | Yifan HOU (FS, Class of 2025)

Editor | Kexin ZHANG

Reviewed by | Baojun XU