留学生ATIF MUHAMMAD为2019级博士生，今年3月顺利毕业，完成了他的博士学位。在读期间，他以一作身份发表了6篇文章。他的奉献精神、毅力和对研究的热情为所有留学生树立了杰出的榜样。让我们来看看他在西北工业大学的学习经历和毕业感言吧。

ATIF MUHAMMAD, a brilliant scholar from the 2019 batch, has achieved an exceptional academic milestone by completing his PhD, graduating in March 2025. During his study period, he published 6 articles as the first author. His dedication, perseverance, and passion for research have set a remarkable example for aspiring scholars.

Join us as we delve into his learning experience and relive the highlights of his heartfelt graduation speech - a testament to hard work, mentorship, and the pursuit of excellence.

Crucible of Discovery: A Holistic Doctoral Education: NPU's Academic and Cultural Milieu

My name is Muhammad Atif, and I recently concluded my doctoral studies in school of Aeronautics at Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU), an experience culminating in the honor of receiving the Outstanding Ph.D. Graduate Award for 2025. My journey to China began in 2019, not as a mere relocation, but as a pilgrimage to the heart of a nation brimming with dynamism and ancient wisdom. The progress of China fascinated me its rapid development grounded in a rich cultural heritage. It was this allure that drew me to China’s academic landscape, where I sought knowledge and the opportunity to contribute to its ongoing evolution.

My decision to pursue my doctorate in China was driven by a profound interest in the nation's rapid technological advancement and its rich cultural heritage. Upon arrival, I immersed myself in NPU’s demanding academic environment, navigating both the rigorous scholarly requirements and the intricacies of a new cultural context.

Scientific achievements and Contributions

The challenges inherent in my doctoral program, notably the pandemic-related disruptions, did not impede my scholarly productivity. I achieved a prolific publication record in respected, peer-reviewed journals, with 17 SCI papers to my credit , and crucially, I served as the first author on 6 of these publications. This output underscores my unwavering commitment to research excellence, even during periods of significant adversity. My research focused on elucidating the intricate relationships between microstructure and properties in High-Entropy Alloys (HEAs), with a targeted emphasis on enhancing their utility in aerospace and energy applications. I employed sophisticated computational simulations and experimental methodologies to analyze and synthesize these materials, thereby disseminating valuable knowledge to the global scientific community via these publications.

Concurrent with these scholarly endeavors, I was privileged to receive several distinguished accolades, including:

· The Northwestern Polytechnical University Outstanding Ph.D. Graduate Award, conferred in 2025, acknowledged the exceptional quality and impact of my doctoral research and overall academic contributions.

· The Best Oral Presentation and Paper Award at the 2nd Belt-and-Road Academic Forum of Engineering, Science, and Technology, which validated the significance and clarity of my research presentations.

· My active participation and presentation at the Congress of the International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences (ICAS 2022), and IBCAST-2023 which facilitated meaningful interactions with prominent researchers within the aeronautical sciences and allowed me to contribute to the field's advancement.

These recognitions are a testament to the high caliber of my research and the supportive academic infrastructure provided by NPU. The mentorship of my supervisors, Professor Yulong Li and Professor Jianghua Shen, was indispensable in navigating the complexities of my research and achieving these benchmarks.

Beyond my academic pursuits, I engaged in activities that enhanced my personal and professional growth. I volunteered as a social support for international students during the pandemic, facilitating cross-cultural understanding and providing essential assistance.

Encouragement for Future Students

I wholeheartedly recommend NPU and China as a premier destination for aspiring scholars, highlighting the university’s commitment to academic excellence and its multicultural environment. I plan to continue my research in China, collaborating with industry and academic partners to develop next-generation HEAs for sustainable technologies. Additionally, I aim to contribute to the academic community by mentoring young researchers.

Commendation

I express my profound gratitude to the Chinese Government and the CSC for their support, as well as to my supervisors and colleagues at NPU. I acknowledge their critical role in my academic and personal development, underscoring the importance of international collaboration in advancing scientific knowledge.

撰稿：ATIF MUHAMMAD

编辑：杜莉

审核：李自伟