Doctoral Candidates

Research

Yunqian Zou

UCBL and RMIT

ABOUT

Yunqian (Joy) Zou was born in Chengdu, the panda city in Sichuan province, China. For her undergraduate and graduate studies, she embarked on a remarkable journey to the United States, where she spent a decade immersed in the study of chemistry.

Joy earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. She then pursued a master’s degree at Ball State University, focusing on the synthesis of cocatalyst nanoparticles for photocatalytic applications. Her academic journey continued at Temple University, where she obtained another master’s degree under the supervision of Professor Borguet, specializing in ultrafast nonlinear spectroscopy. During this time, she specialised in advanced techniques such as Sum Frequency Generation and Second Harmonic Generation, using them to explore the ultrafast dynamics of molecules at water/mineral interfaces. This research solidified her foundation in nonlinear scattering processes.

Her diverse educational background in biochemistry, physical chemistry, and materials science has significantly enriched her professional development. While interning at Corning Incorporated in New York, she contributed to the development of lithium zirconium oxide solid-state electrolytes for lithium-based batteries. Her ability to apply characterization methods in industrial contexts highlights her technical and innovation expertise.

Beyond her academic and professional achievements, Joy has been actively involved in community service. She served as an International Advisory Board Member at Temple University, providing peer supports and fostering cultural communication among international students. Additionally, she volunteered at the Church in Philadelphia, caring for children from Christian families, and contributed to local science fairs by mentoring junior high students interested in pursuing science degrees.

Her journey from China to the United States in pursuit of higher education, and her aspirations to further her training in France and Australia, showcase her commitment to growth and excellence in the field of photonics.

INTERESTS

Joy’s research interests are related to Nonlinear Scattering, Plasmonics, Nanoparticles, 2D Materials, Interfaces, Biomolecules, and Dielectrics.

In her leisure time, Joy enjoys reading, painting, and traveling to experience different cultures. An avid skier and outdoor enthusiast, she embraces adventures that connect her with nature and diverse communities. Proficient in Chinese and English, with knowledge of French, Joy’s friendly and outgoing personality enables her to thrive in multicultural environments, fostering collaboration and camaraderie among colleagues.