From the classroom to the field, from theoretical explorations to the publication of academic results, Su Linke, an undergraduate student majoring in biological breeding at Yazhou College and Nanfan School of Hainan University, Class of 2022, has published a first-author paper in the international journal Land. His growth vividly demonstrates Hainan University’s proactive exploration in breaking traditions and optimizing talent cultivation mode through the three major reforms of “complete credit system, collaborative innovation center and residential college”.

Research Opportunities in a Flexible Educational System

“Interest is the starting point for scientific research, while the freedom to explore is even more important. ” Su’s scientific research began in a chapter on evolution of a biology textbook when he was in high school. But it is Hainan University’s flexible educational system that really allows him to take the first step. By utilizing the university’s “Credit by Examination” policy, he was able to reduce his regular coursework and devote himself to the research on plant diversity in Hainan’s urban residential areas. In his sophomore year, he took the initiative to join Professor Wang Huafeng’s project at School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry, and spent his spare time in completing data collection from 269 sample sites, laying the foundation for the subsequent study.

The flexible educational system not only gives him the freedom in time management, but also allows him to experience the whole process of research. Su said frankly, “From data modeling to paper revision, each step was like solving a puzzle, and the university gave me the confidence to ‘try and make mistakes’.”

Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Decoding Ecological Puzzles

When Su discovered the anomalous phenomenon that “urban residential areas exhibit higher plant diversity than rural areas”, he didn’t just do research from the ecological perspective. Through the university’s resource integration platform, he accessed tools of dealing with data in economics and statistics. Inspired by the Luxury Effect Theory, he eventually employed a generalized linear model to reveal the importance of socioeconomic development in shaping urban biodiversity.

“You can’t understand the essence of the problem on your own,” he said. It is the integration of multidisciplinary resources that allows his research to move beyond traditional ecological frameworks, injecting a fresh perspective into urban planning.

Innovative Thinking Fostered by Multiple Platforms

Su’s team at Yazhou College of Hainan University consists of postgraduates from different undergraduate academic backgrounds. At the bi-weekly meetings, they engage in discussions and debates on topics such as “how socioeconomics affects biodiversity”, and “urban ecology and system evolution”. He said, “These debates have made me realize that scientific issues stem from complex social system dynamics.” The college offers more than just the convenience of doing teamwork—it provides an opportunity for a cognitive leap. When Su analyzed house price data with plant distribution maps, he said, “Without cross-disciplinary knowledge, this study may only have remained at the phenomenological description.”

With regard to the significance of undergraduates’ participation in scientific research, Wang Huafeng stated, “Early integration of research into undergraduate education is an emerging trend. In the past, very few undergraduates did research on their own, but now excellent undergraduates can conduct research projects by themselves, which is not only a realistic demand for personalized training of students, but also an effective way of cultivating students’ innovative thinking.”

From a novice researcher to the first author of a published paper, Su’s growth demonstrates the power of passion-driven exploration and persistent practice. In his view, it is not only a personal academic breakthrough, but also proof of the potential of a new educational model —“When universities become builders of innovation ecosystems, undergraduates will have the strength to achieve their scientific dreams.”

Translated by Ning Keer

Proofread by Pan Junfeng