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A new flagship initiative sends a cohort of five PhD students to Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) and Emerson College, marking a significant investment in nurturing world-class, globally-connected researchers. 

The HKBU School of Communication is proud to announce the launch of its new Overseas Research Fellowship Scheme, a landmark initiative designed to nurture the next generation of global scholars. The scheme has sent a cohort of five PhD students to prestigious institutions in the United States for a six-month research attachment from 1 September 2026 to 28 February 2027.

This first-time collaboration provides an immersive opportunity for students to engage with new academic cultures, contribute to cutting-edge research, and build lasting international networks. The inaugural fellows are:

• Visiting The Pennsylvania State University (College of Information Sciences and Technology): Mr. Lyu She and Ms. Li Zixi

• Visiting Emerson College (School of Communication): Ms. Qiu Yu, Ms. Lu Yajing, and Ms. Liu Xiaoming

A Strategic Vision for Nurturing Global Scholars

The Overseas Research Fellowship Scheme is a cornerstone of the School's commitment to providing a world-class doctoral education. It aims to broaden students' global perspectives, provide invaluable cross-cultural research experience, and connect them with leading international scholars. The six-month overseas experience gives students chances to embed themselves in the host research community, work closely with overseas scholars, participate in seminars and research activities, and advance a project related to their doctoral studies.

Professor Zhong Bu, Dean of the School of Communication shared his vision for the scheme, “By providing our students with the opportunity to learn and collaborate at world-renowned institutions, we are not only enriching their academic journey but also empowering them to become confident, independent researchers. As they represent the quality and potential of our doctoral program abroad, they enhance our School’s international visibility and reputation. We believe this initiative will create a virtuous cycle of knowledge exchange and partnership for years to come.”

Voices from the Field: Students Embrace the Opportunity

The fellows are already making the most of their time abroad, engaging in coursework, collaborative projects, and lab meetings that enrich their academic journey.

At Penn State University:

Mr. Lyu She shared, “This experience offers an excellent opportunity to deepen my research, broaden my academic perspectives, and develop international collaborations.” He is actively participating in lab meetings with renowned Professor S. Shyam Sundar and has even contributed to a research funding proposal related to Anthropic’s Claude AI, gaining invaluable hands-on experience.

Ms. Li Zixi is exploring the intersection of communication, AI, and health. Through lab meetings, course sit-ins, and workshops, she is learning how technology can be leveraged to promote mental well-being. "The training has helped me consider how my communication research can be connected more effectively with information science and technology," she noted, highlighting her goal to develop interdisciplinary collaborations.

At Emerson College:

Ms. Lu Yajing is focused on advancing her doctoral thesis while auditing graduate courses. She hopes the visit can strengthen her research and methodological skills, develop potential collaborative studies, and build longer-term academic connections with Emerson faculty and the broader Boston research community.

Ms. Liu Xiaoming is attending graduate courses in Marketing Research and Behavioral Economics to deepen her understanding of research methods and consumer psychology. She has also connected with the Career Center for practical guidance and is exploring AI-related projects with professors. "I expect to develop my skills in marketing research and deepen my understanding of behavioral psychology through these courses," she said.

Ms. Qiu Yu is auditing a Research Methods course to directly support her dissertation on the conceptualization and measurement of AI chatbot sycophancy. She aims to develop her skills, build professional connections, and advance her dissertation, with the hope of producing joint papers from the experience.

Building a Legacy of Collaboration and Excellence

The impact of the fellowship is designed to extend far beyond the six-month attachment. Upon their return, the fellows will share their insights and experiences with their peers at the School in dedicated research sharing session, fostering a richer academic culture within the School.

Each student is expected to produce at least one tangible research output, such as a joint journal article or conference paper, transforming the knowledge and networks gained abroad into lasting scholarly contributions.

The School extends its deepest gratitude to The Pennsylvania State University and Emerson College for their partnership and warm welcome, especially to the Dean’s leadership team at Emerson’s School of Communication, including Professor Paul Mihailidis and Professor Carol Ferrara, and Professor S. Shyam Sundar at Pennsylvania State University, for their tremendous support in facilitating such a rich academic experience for our students. 

Through this pioneering scheme, the School is reaffirming its commitment to providing a world-class doctoral education, empowering its students to become confident, independent, and globally connected researchers poised to make a significant impact.