The chance to work with world leaders in a specialist field of diabetes research has led Yongwen Zhou from China to Dunedin.
Yongwen Zhou
“I am enjoying every second of my study in Dunedin, including the beautiful scenery and friendly people. My supervisor and colleagues are very supportive and nice – I'm very lucky.”
Zhou recently submitted her PhD to the University of Science and Technology of China in Anhui Province, and began a 16-month post-doctoral training position with the Department of Women's and Children's Health, Dunedin School of Medicine.
Originally from Guangdong Province, Zhou has had a strong interest in glycemic control of type 1 diabetes since her master's study in China. Under the supervision of renowned Professor Jianping Weng, she did further research into using an advanced glucose monitoring device in high-risk adults.
The Department's Head of Paediatrics and Child Health, Professor Ben Wheeler, and collaborators are world leaders in using artificial pancreas technology (a form of automated insulin delivery). Keen to advance her work using this technology, Zhou came to Dunedin.
“Professor Wheeler and his team have achieved many exciting and promising findings related to the efficacy of this diabetes technology. Hopefully this will lead to more government funding to support children and young people getting access to this life-changing treatment.
“I am very excited to contribute to this transformation, as well as to the research collaboration between New Zealand and China!”
Professor Wheeler says, “It is a real pleasure having Yongwen arrive and join our team. This is the first collaboration between our team and China, and this is a link and relationship we are very enthusiastic to develop.
“We are looking forward to another productive year ahead and helping develop Yongwen's diabetes technology skills as well as build this positive link with her and her team in China."