Dr Xiaobo Qu

Professor, Chair of Urban Mobility Systems, Chalmers University of Technology, Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering

Class of PhD Civil Engineering, 2012

What made you choose the course in NUS over other courses?

Prof Meng Qiang gave me an opportunity to taste the life as research engineer when I was unsure if I should embark my journey in the industry or further my studies

I met Prof Meng during a conference in Shenzhen, China, where he encouraged me to further my studies and pursue a PhD with NUS.

From the given opportunity, I knew that teaching was my calling. I was inspired by the professors of NUS. They were dedicated to help and teach young minds and be involved in research and innovation. I was determined to be an academic and devoted my time in taking full advantage of the rich academic and research resources in NUS.

What you like most about this course in NUS?

NUS provide opportunities for its PhD graduates to be a rounded academic. As a tutor for classes lectured by Prof Meng and Prof Mike Beer during my days as a PhD student, I admire how NUS has incorporated the engineering concepts into teaching, and link research and theories to real life practice. These helped me to sharpen my own teaching philosophy. PhD is a journey of self-evolution, and it is not the accumulation of journal papers.

How the course has helped you with your everyday/work life?

PhD is a systematic training which is teaches you to deal your challenges in your professional and personal life. Just like engineering; find for research papers, develop a strategy and conduct some simulation/case studies as a pilot or demonstration, apply the same concept when you encounter difficult times.

PhD is a systematic training which is teaches you to deal your challenges in your professional and personal life. Just like engineering; find for research papers, develop a strategy and conduct some simulation/case studies as a pilot or demonstration, apply the same concept when you encounter difficult times. The programme helped me to gain confident and stay positive when I encountered challenges in my professional and personal life.

Any tips for incoming and current students?

Invest time to improve yourself when you are young. Seize the moment to explore more. Be open-minded and curious about the world. Be kind.