Kailai Zhang
Age: 23
SNRE degree sought: M.S. - Environmental Informatics
Projected semester/year of graduation: Winter 2011
Undergraduate degree: Geography, East China Normal University, 2009

Why did you pick your field of study?
I studied geography as an undergraduate and found it very interesting to view the world from geographical perspective. The geospatial information system (GIS) is a very useful spatial analysis tool to address many social environmental problems. Environmental informatics allows me to take advantage of my broad knowledge-base while combining computer-based techniques with social-environmental science to better understand and solve natural resource problems. Not many programs are designed with these interdisciplinary topics in mind. 

What is the most surprising or interesting thing you have learned in your classes so far?
I'm learning that nothing is actually isolated; everything is connected with something else. Occurrence of one event must have some implications on others. Sometimes it is just the research questions you ask that constrain the extent to which a solution can be applied. Ití¢â‚¬â„¢s important to develop a broad view on problems and to understand the relationships and feedbacks in a given system. 

What do you like best about your program so far?
Ití¢â‚¬â„¢s a very practical program. The GIS, quantitative method and modeling techniques can be very useful to address real-world environment problems. What you learn in class will be a solid base for your future career to be built on, no matter what it is. You can combine it with all kinds of knowledge to further address the natural-resources study questions that you would like to ask.

What do you plan to do after graduation?
I plan to work for a while, to practice my spatial analytical skills and engage in GIS and modeling in the real world. I have enjoyed my masterí¢â‚¬â„¢s studies so far and have learned a great deal, but I have a continuing desire to learn much more. I hope I can pursue a doctoral degree in a few years.

What advice do you have for incoming SNRE students?
Have your own objectives. SNRE will provide you the tools and to teach you how to use them, but you must be the one to apply these tools in order to achieve the goals you have set for yourself. Be patient, sometimes things doní¢â‚¬â„¢t work out immediately, but you can prepare yourself for the opportunities that present themselves.

What is your favorite spot in Ann Arbor?
My favorite campus spot is the Hatcher Graduate Library, not only because ití¢â‚¬â„¢s a nice and comfy place to study, but also thereí¢â‚¬â„¢s a great place to stop by when you ran into some technical problems: the Spatial and Numeric Data Services (SAND). I find them to be very helpful and they are happy to help students around campus.

I like the County Farm Parkí¢â‚¬”it provides a wonderful open space and hiking trail which is great for exercise and enjoying nature. And I like some of the traditional Chinese restaurants in downtown Ann Arbor, especially Asian Legend.