Outstanding Senior Spotlight: Qianyi Zhu
As she finishes up her Bachelor of Science degree in biochemical engineering at the University of California, Davis, Qianyi Zhu reflects on her college career. She talks about finding surprise in biochemical engineering and leaning on others in her engineering community.
Answers have been edited for clarity and length.
What inspired you to pursue engineering, and how has that inspiration evolved throughout your time at UC Davis?
Initially, I chose biochemical engineering because of my interest in biology and chemistry, and I thought combining the two with engineering would be interesting and challenging. At first, I was debating which major to pursue, and then I discovered that UC Davis has a great undergraduate program in all three of the fields — biology, chemistry and engineering.
Throughout my time at UC Davis, I realized that biology and chemistry are not the main focus of biochemical engineering. Instead, it's the real-world problem-solving aspect and the potential to positively impact others' lives that make it so exciting.
Can you share a specific project, research experience or memory that you found particularly rewarding or impactful during your studies?
My senior design project focuses on fungal fermentation of agricultural waste to produce alternative protein. The project is closely tied to industry while also being innovative. Since many aspects of the project are still in the pilot phase, my team and I have gained real-life experience working as engineers — making reasonable assumptions and proposing directions for improvement.
Working on this project has also taught me not to focus solely on making everything perfect or looking for the "correct" answer, but instead to reflect on ways to improve the process and identify which aspects have the greatest impact on the outcome. This helps us prioritize our efforts and decide where to invest more time and research for a better outcome.
Who is one of your favorite engineering professors and why?
Distinguished Professor of Chemical Engineering Jennifer Sinclair Curtis is definitely one of the best professors you could ever have! Her passion for teaching and dedication to her students make the experience of learning fluid mechanics truly enjoyable and rewarding. She has a unique ability to break down complex concepts into understandable ideas, making the subject much more approachable.
Beyond the classroom, Professor Curtis is incredibly caring and supportive — always willing to listen and provide guidance. Her understanding nature and encouragement create a positive learning environment where students feel valued and motivated to succeed.
Looking back, what advice would you give to your first-year self or to incoming students about making the most of their time in the College of Engineering?
Don't be shy about reaching out to professors early on to discuss your research interests. This will help you explore your true passions and gain hands-on experience over time. Also, take advantage of being part of the College of Engineering: Join engineering clubs and get to know your classmates — collaboration is a huge part of success as an engineering student and a future engineer.
The best thing about being here is that you are not alone. You have peers to work with, inspire you and grow together.
What's next for you after graduation?
Currently, I am working on finishing a few projects in the lab of Professor of Food Science and Technology Ameer Taha, including analyzing yeast oil produced from Californian agricultural waste. Pursuing graduate school is something I'm considering for the future.