Chinese student undertakes carbon emission research at USQ

A high-achieving Chinese University student with a keen focus on how carbon dioxide emissions in China are measured will spend the next three years undertaking doctoral research at USQ.

Zhen Lu, a PhD candidate from the Central University of Finance and Economics (CUFE), recently arrived at USQ’s Toowoomba campus after being granted an award by the China Scholarship Council (CSC).

The CSC scholarship will financially assist her in completing her doctoral research in the Garden City.

'USQ is great, it’s a really a good place for studying,' Ms Lu said. 'My supervisor and workmates are very nice to me. I am really a lucky girl. I do think I will enjoy my study and life here in the future three years.'

USQ Faculty of Business Associate Professor and Ms Lu’s supervisor, Geoff Cockfield, said Zhen’s studies would complement the business sustainability research already underway at the University.

'In her research, Zhen will be evaluating the economic policy instruments that could be used to manage carbon dioxide emissions in China,' Associate Professor Cockfield said.

'The Faculty of Business already has a number of researchers and research students looking at carbon accounting and trading, as part of the Faculty’s and University’s focus on sustainability. Zhen Lu’s work will add to that.'

The CUFE is one of China’s top 50 universities and is considered a leader in Finance and Economics programs. Ms Lu is the second Chinese student to come to USQ through the CSC program and will return to CUFE after completing her doctoral studies.

USQ Vice Chancellor and President, Professor Bill Lovegrove, who is currently visiting CUFE in China, said USQ was proud to host the country’s highest-achieving Finance and Economics students through the CSC program.

'USQ is committed to attracting the best PhD candidates from USQ’s international partners,' Professor Lovegrove said.

The CSC is a non-profit institution affiliated with the Ministry of Education.

The objective of the CSC is to provide, financial assistance to Chinese scholars and citizens wishing to study abroad and also to assist students from other countries wishing to study in China.

The international study program is part of an ongoing alliance to develop the educational, scientific and technological, and cultural exchanges and economic and trade cooperation between China and other countries, and to strengthen the friendship and understanding between Chinese people and the international community.