With strong research interests in sociolinguistics, specifically in language and identity and digital literacies, I reached out to Professor Michelle Gu Mingyue, who is listed in the “World Top 2% Scientists,” to discuss the possibilities of pursuing my PhD under her supervision. I am grateful for the unwavering support from Professor Gu and colleagues from the Graduate School throughout my application process, especially their encouragement and assistance with my application for the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS).
I am honoured and thrilled to have been awarded the HKPFS by the University Grants Committee to pursue my PhD study at EdUHK. This fellowship offers me opportunities to engage broadly with academic communities in Hong Kong and internationally. The scholarship has enabled me to present my research at the 2025 American Association for Applied Linguistics conference in Denver and the 2025 AsiaTEFL conference here at EdUHK. Linguistics conference in Denver and the 2025 AsiaTEFL conference here at EdUHK. My training was further enriched by the Trans-Linguistics Summer Institute at Penn State University in 2025, which I attended with full sponsorship provided by the Graduate School. The expert writing instruction I received there has significantly strengthened my research and publishing capabilities.
Looking back on my first year of study and research at EdUHK, I feel incredibly enriched and fulfilled. The dedication and passion of both students and faculty across a wide range of educational and interdisciplinary topics continue to become a source of inspiration for me in my everyday study and research.