News - 2020
Meet our students: Xiaoyue Zhang profile
Meet our students: Xiaoyue Zhang
Xiaoyue Zhang is a University of Regina PhD student in the Institute for Energy, Environment and Sustainable Communities.
When did you start your PhD studies?
I started my PhD program in September 2016.
How did you know that you wanted to attend graduate school?
It was during the final year of my undergraduate degree when I realized that I wanted to improve the quality of the environment. I knew that what I learned during my undergraduate studies was far from enough so I needed to undertake further study and broaden my horizon.
Tell us about your research.
My research is on computable general equilibrium (CGE)-based energy-environment-economic system planning under uncertainty, which aims to provide a scientific basis for formulating effective policies and regulations under carbon-mitigation requirements and for analysing social and economic impacts. I use an optimization-driven CGE model to simulate general and detailed responses that are caused by external factors to environmental and socio-economic systems. The results will help decision makers evaluate different energy policy scenarios and develop efficient pathways for energy and industrial systems that take into account the trade-offs among various environmental and socio-economic criteria.
What do you find most interesting about your research topic?
My research provides insight into the socio-economic impacts of alternative energy and industrial systems management strategies. In my eyes, applying scientific knowledge to practical problems is both interesting and meaningful.
Tell us about your experience with IEESC/Regina. What have you learned that is most valuable?
Professor Huang leads an excellent research team, providing a rich learning environment and rigorous academic atmosphere. The most valuable thing I have learned in IEESC is that making a scientific contribution should be our ultimate goal of doing research and this drives my work.
What advice would you give to a student considering a visit to IEESC/Regina?
IEESC provides opportunities for individual capacity development. When a student chooses IEESC they are making a wise choice.
Where do you find your inspiration?
Professor Huang and all IEESC group members meet weekly for discussions on the academic frontier and hotspot issues, which is a particularly good way to inspire new ideas. Besides these meetings, I try to find inspiration from papers published in the top journals of my research area.
What are your next goals and future plans?
After graduation, I plan to work in a research institute so that I can stay engaged in doing research.
Thanks Xiaoyue and best wishes for your research!