Zhongwen Luo

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Zhongwen Luo
Zhongwen Luo

Zhongwen earned PhD degree in Chemistry from the University’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences in Fall 2020. His dissertation research focused on reducing energy consumption and waste generation in industrial-relevant catalytic technology innovation and processes development. He participated in PhD Plus modules in Consulting, Entrepreneurship and Commercialization and the Liaison program. He is currently a CMC (chemistry, manufacturing and control) Consultant at Data Revive LLC. 

Over summer, Zhongwen participated in the Propel program, UVA's new project-based learning program designed to gain valuable skills and solve real-world problems for clients. PhD Plus supports the program, primarily for experiential learning of PhD students towards career preparation in Consulting.

Q. What are your career aspirations?

After PhD, I am interested in pursuing careers in due diligence or consulting within the chemical or pharmaceutical industries.

Q. Please summarize your experience in the Propel program of project-based learning?

Propel provided me an opportunity to participate in team-based projects sourced through employer partners and local Charlottesville start-ups. My team had 5 members, 1 PhD student and 4 undergraduate students, and we received mentoring from an alumni project coach. The project challenge was 2 weeks long and concluded with a capstone presentation that we presented to a panel of judges comprised of employer partners and alumni.

My team and I worked on Fluvanna County project. I liked the format of consulting boot camp, mentoring and real project experience. My undergraduate team members broadened my views and perspectives towards consulting and problem-solving. The feedback from the judges is helpful.

Q. What professional skills did you develop through this experience?

Leadership professionalism, project and risk management, especially goal-realignment for last minute crisis. We had some technological difficulties with Beautify.AI a couple hours before the capstone presentation, and we realigned ourselves quickly. We focused on being patient with each other and work as a team to solve the unexpected problem in the last minutes.

Q. What advice would you give your peers on utilizing PhD Plus project-based learning and other experiential learning opportunities for career development?

I would advise peers to be proactive and take up this opportunity, if you get a chance. It will open your eyes and make you more flexible and competitive in the job market.

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