Exploring Nature’s Echoes Within and Beyond the Fields

Nestled against Tibetan Plateau to the west and bordered by Min River to the east, where mountains and waters embrace, a diverse and abundant array of flora and fauna thrives on this land known as Wolong. Here, ancient and vibrant folk song traditions are passed down from generation to generation. A student team from DKU’s Nature’s Echoes project ventured into Wolong Town, Wenchuan County, in Sichuan Province’s Aba Prefecture. During a two-week field study, they gathered materials and immersed themselves in the culture, and then they explored various narrative mediums to initiate the “Silent Land” art project. Ultimately, they presented Wolong’s unique folk song culture and field stories to the public through podcasts and exhibitions.

A Journey of Interdisciplinary Exploration: First Molecular Characterization of Feline Calicivirus in Kunshan

Semin Kim, an undergraduate student majoring in molecular biology from South Korea in the class of 2024, is not only a “furry” enthusiast but also has a strong interest in virus detection and transmission issues. After choosing cellular biology as her major, her research experience with Dr. Sajid Umar, Assistant Professor of Global Health and Deputy Director of the One Health Research Laboratory at DKU, and her summer research at Tianjin University gave her rich laboratory experience, further fueling her desire to conduct her own field research on viruses. The funding and freedom provided by her advisor were the biggest support for her ambitious idea.

DKU U-Corp: Students’ innovation journey on University-Corporation Bridge

Over the course of three years, with the collective efforts of 150 students and 40 projects, the University-Corporation Innovation Lab (i.e., U-Corp) at Duke Kunshan University has gradually grown into a powerful bridge connecting academia and industry, and an important platform for student innovation and practice. The U-Corp closely integrates the core educational principles of DKU with leading industry resources, covering cutting-edge fields such as software development, marketing, public policy, multi-generational space design, ESG (Environment, Society, and Governance), and rural revitalization. It has successfully established close cooperation with many well-known companies and organizations, injecting innovative energy into enterprises and providing students with rich practical experience and academic records.

DKU InE 2023 Review and 2024 Outlook

As we celebrate the Lunar New Year, a time brimming with hope and joy, the DKU Innovation and Entrepreneurship Initiative (DKU InE) extends our heartfelt holiday blessings to all students, faculty, staff, and partners who have passionately participated in and supported us. May the new year bring us closer together, igniting the flame of innovation and entrepreneurship in each of our hearts, and lighting the way forward. Now, let’s take a journey through time to review the achievements made by the DKU InE over the past year.