Student Spotlight:
Zengran Sun

Voiland School graduate student Zengran Sun has recently received the International Precious Metal Institute (IPMI)’s Sabin Metal Ron Bleggi Student Award.

He shares his WSU experiences that have contributed to his success.

What does it mean to receive this award?

Receiving this prestigious award is a great honor for me and an excellent opportunity to showcase my research to audiences with commercial backgrounds. This award is also a great recognition of the research conducted in Dr. Saunders’ group and greatly represents the high-quality research within the Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering.

Why did you choose WSU and your program for grad school?

Almost eight years ago, I moved from China to America to study chemical engineering at Washington State University. Despite all the obstacles that I experiences as an international student during my study (e.g., language barriers, homesickness, etc.), I have had countless friends and mentors showing me endless and tremendous support, making me feel at home. I consider Pullman as home for me in America!

Additionally, the professors in the chemical and bioengineering department genuinely wish a successful career for their students and have provided me with guidance and patience. Most importantly, WSU is a tier-1 public research institution and holds a high standard for producing innovating and high-quality research.

What is your area of research?

My research focuses on the rational design, preparation, and characterization of nanoscale metallic materials that can promote a sustainable and productive society. Nanoscale materials can be thought of as being the same size difference as between a baseball and the Earth.

How did you get interested in this field of research? Why do you think it’s important?

I became interested in nanoscale research while taking a senior-level Unit Operations Lab class. There I learned about Dr. Saunders’ work to improve efficiency in producing important pharmaceutical chemicals.

This field of research is important in ensuring a sustainable and productive society via the optimization of efficiency of industrial processes and the transformation of waste into products. The various industrial applications of nanoscale research in pharmacy, semiconductors, and chemicals, have helped human society with its advancement, efficiency, and security.

How is grad school different than your undergraduate experience?

Compared to undergrad experience, graduate school is a great platform to further develop independence, critical-thinking and communication skills.

What do you hope to do with your graduate degree?

I hope to utilize my training and skills to better my community.

What do you like to do on the Palouse when you aren’t working/studying?

Hiking is fun! (Moscow Mountain, Kamiak Butte, etc.) Biking is also fun.