Freshmen from the School of Earth Sciences and Engineering (SESE) had the unique opportunity to engage with top-tier international scholars during the third edition of the "Exploring the Earth" lunch series on December 18, 2025.
Co-hosted by SESE and Anbang College, the event aimed to bridge the gap between new students and the School’s global academic community. The session featured a distinguished panel of international experts, including National High-Level Talent Professor Alexander Nemchin, Associate Professor Shohei Hattori, and postdoctoral researchers Das Souvik, Victor Ribeiro, and Alessandro Paolo Carniti. Attendees included Yao Jing, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of SESE; Xu Shuyi, staff member of the International Cooperation Affairs Office of SESE; Bai Ruorong, undergraduate counselor; Wang Jin, assistant counselor of Anbang College; and 28 freshmen from the Class of 2025 geology major.
Building a Global Vision
Yao Jing, Deputy Secretary of the SESE Party Committee, opened the session by highlighting the school’s recent strides in internationalization. She challenged the Class of 2025 to develop a broad international vision and cross-cultural communication skills, urging them to use these opportunities to become globally competitive talents in the geosciences.
Yao Jing delivers a speech
Xu Shuyi presents on international opportunities
Xu Shuyi from the International Cooperation Affairs Office followed with a briefing on the school's global partnerships and student mobility programs, encouraging the freshmen to take full advantage of the resources available to them.
From Cosmochemistry to Paleontology
The highlight of the event was the research showcase, where faculty members offered students a glimpse into their diverse fields: Prof. Alexander Nemchin discussed cosmochemistry and the fundamental methods of geological research. Assoc. Prof. Shohei Hattori presented on the future of stable isotope geochemical analysis. Dr. Das Souvik analyzed frontier dynamics in earth material science and petrology. Dr. Victor Ribeiro and Dr. Alessandro Paolo Carniti shared insights into their work in paleontology.
These in-depth sessions offered a window into global research trends, sparking scientific inquiry and helping the freshmen establish an early rapport with the diverse teaching staff.
Prof. Alexander Nemchin
Prof. Shohei Hattori
Dr. Souvik Das
Dr. Alessandro Paolo Carniti
Dr. Victor Ribeiro
Candid Conversations
Moving beyond lectures, the lunch format allowed for a free-flowing Q&A. Students queried the faculty on topics ranging from adapting to life in Nanjing and university study strategies to the integration of AI in earth sciences.
Prof. Nemchin noted that he preferred this round-table format over traditional podium lectures, citing the value of equal, face-to-face dialogue.
A Commitment to Internationalization
The "Exploring the Earth" series is part of SESE's broader strategy to build a world-class discipline by integrating overseas talent and expanding global cooperation networks. With the recent establishment of the International Cooperation Affairs Office, the school continues to prioritize the creation of a diverse, inclusive, and innovative educational ecosystem.
Text and Photography: Bai Ruorong, Song Yuting
Reviewed by: Yao Jing
