(Nate) Xingyu Yang
Nate is a PhD researcher from Mainland China and he is developing New Low-Cost Point of Care Imaging Technologies for Diabetic Eye Disease.
What were your main reasons for choosing to undertake postgraduate research at University of Liverpool?
Upon completing my Master’s degree at Liverpool, I was eager to work in industry and build my work experience. After a year working in a web development company, I felt that I couldn’t pursue my passion for science in my day-to-day work as a coder. Luckily I saw the opportunity of doing a PhD at the University of Liverpool and now I’m now able to build expertise in my field and pursue my passion for science.
Can you summarise your postgraduate research in a few sentences?
My research interest is in developing New Low-Cost Point of Care Imaging Technologies for Diabetic Eye Disease in China. My role involves designing/building optical systems for medical imaging in ophthalmoscopy and acquiring/processing data for analysis.
What support have you received from the Liverpool Doctoral College?
The LDC runs multiple training sessions throughout the year, helping you to build the essential skills for completing a PhD. I enjoyed the sessions on, programming skills training, planning and strategy making, thesis writing, time and work/life balance.
How do you believe postgraduate research will help your career prospects?
Research and creating new technologies builds your expertise in a particular area tremendously and enhances your employability.
What advice would you give to anyone considering undertaking a PhD?
I would advise undertaking a PhD when you are clear with what you want to achieve. The output of your PhD defines you as a researcher, so be prepared to commit to long hours of research and be results-oriented.