Josh Matsko's Report

My experience in China was extraordinary. I learned many new skills and saw many new things. I am very thankful that I had the opportunity to be able to learn these skills and see these things. I believe, especially since it was my first time being outside the United States, this was the most interesting and worth while experience I have ever had. I learned skills ranging from scholastic, such as using different computer programs, to social, such as meeting new people. I also enjoyed the different culture and scenery that I was able to see.

Dr. Ren, Brian, and I were stimulated with many lectures and lab tours by the professors at the Semiconductor Institute, University of Beijing's Physics Department, and the Physics Institute. These activities helped me learn more about the research field in which I've been working. They have also allowed me to meet many people and share ideas with them. I was able to see what is happening now in this field of research and where it is heading. I very impressed with the lab tours and lectures that we participated in.

I am also very thankful to have worked with a graduate student at the Semiconductor Institute, Heibin Wu. I think the conversations we had helped both of us. He was able to suggest many things about my research. We shared knowledge of different computer software and were able to use them to do our work more efficiently. He contributed much to my research and helped me extend my ideas.

I believe one of the biggest experiences I had was socially. I was able go out on my own knowing very little but enough of the language to move freely throughout the streets. I was able to buy from stores, bargain at markets, and meet knew friends. I think this is a very important characteristic one should have if he is going to become a leader.

I am very fortunate to say that I saw the Great Wall of China, since it is one of the most popular places in the world, and all the other tourist sites, such as The Summer Palace, The Ruins of Y , and The Forbidden City. I'm also glad I was able to see the country from within and not just what is speculated on the news. I think that the culture I learned from the Chinese is very helpful. They are very hard working and intelligent people. I thought I was treated very well and with much respect. I would recommend it to anyone who would have the chance. This trip was the best learning experience I've ever gone through. It was more than just learning history as I would in a class or talking about someone else's research.

As a physics and engineering student in the world today, I plan to have a major role in society in the future. I know I'll carry the skills that I've learned from my trip the rest of my life. I'm young and have many things yet to experience but thus far this was the most interesting. I'm very thankful for having this opportunity.