At Northwestern Polytechnical University, every graduation season carries stories of hard work, growth, and meaningful transformation. For international students, this journey often begins far from home, in a new country, a new academic environment, and a new culture. Over time, classrooms, laboratories, libraries, campus activities, and friendships become part of a larger story of learning and personal development.
This year, a group of international master's students has been recognized as Outstanding Graduates. Their selection reflects not only strong academic performance, but also research achievements, active participation in university life, personal growth, and their contributions to the international student community at NPU.
Because each journey deserves to be shared with care, this feature will be presented in two parts. In Part One, we introduce eight outstanding master's graduates from different countries and academic fields. Their stories show how NPU has supported international students in research, innovation, cultural exchange, and future career development.
Piatnitskaia Aleksandra 欣薇
Piatnitskaia Aleksandra, also known as 欣薇, is from Russia and studied Business Administration at NPU. For her, NPU became much more than a university. It became a second home, where she completed her language courses, bachelor's degree, and master's degree, growing through years of study, friendship, and cultural exchange.
During her time at NPU, Aleksandra actively contributed to campus life through cultural events, student coordination, Model United Nations activities, exchange student mentoring, volunteer work, and international student support. She also represented the International College in swimming competitions, winning first place and a gold medal. Her participation in cultural festivals, media interviews, workshops, and student activities made her an important bridge between communities.
After graduation, she plans to work in the field of international cooperation between Russia and China, helping strengthen bilateral relations and bringing people from different cultures closer together.
Ali Haider
Ali Haider, from Pakistan, completed his master's degree in Mechanical Engineering at Northwestern Polytechnical University. His research focused on the design and optimization of point-absorber wave energy converters, including novel buoy geometries and hybrid power take-off systems.
During his studies, Ali was selected for the Outstanding Graduate Award and submitted a first-author research paper to Ocean Engineering. He also attended ICGA 2025, the 3rd International Conference on Green Energy in Xi'an, and completed an internship as an Assistant Mechanical Engineer at a multinational company.
Life at NPU helped him grow academically and personally. He enjoyed campus life, collaborated with labmates from diverse backgrounds, explored Xi'an's history and culture, and improved his Chinese to HSK 4 level. In the future, he hopes to contribute to renewable energy engineering and sustainable offshore power solutions.
Nazir Ahmed
Nazir Ahmed, from Pakistan, graduated with a Master of Science degree from the School of Materials Science at Northwestern Polytechnical University. His research focused on the structural optimization and potential energy surface of AgNi nanoalloys using Deep Reinforcement Learning. Through this work, he gained valuable experience in computational materials science, machine learning applications, and atomic-scale simulations.
At NPU, Nazir found a strong research environment with well-equipped laboratories, supportive professors, and helpful labmates. His time in Xi'an also allowed him to experience Chinese culture, taste local food, celebrate traditional festivals, and build friendships with students from different countries.
Looking ahead, Nazir hopes to continue his academic journey by pursuing a PhD and becoming a researcher in computational materials science. His long-term goal is to contribute to nanoalloy design, energy materials, and the application of machine learning in both academic and industrial research.
Israr Ali
Israr Ali, from Pakistan, completed his master's degree in Mathematics at the School of Mathematics and Statistics, Northwestern Polytechnical University. During his studies, he achieved strong academic and leadership recognition, including being awarded Outstanding Graduate of the Year 2026 and selected as an Academic Star in 2025.
His research achievements include three SCI research papers and one book chapter as first author, along with two co-authored research papers. Several other papers are also under review or submitted to different journals. He also received second prize for an oral presentation at the Third Belt and Road Academic Forum of Engineering Science and Technology and the First Shaanxi Academic Forum for International Students, as well as third prize at the 5th Graduate Forum of the School of Mathematics and Statistics.
Beyond academics, Israr served as an academic assistant, campus tour guide, and country representative in Cultural Bridge event. His journey at NPU reflects academic focus, service, and active participation in university life.
Shafi Ullah
Shafi Ullah, from Pakistan, completed his master's degree in Biomedical Engineering at Northwestern Polytechnical University. His research focused on targeted brain drug delivery, allowing him to contribute to important work in biomedical science and therapeutic strategies.
During his studies, he participated in publishing Q1 research papers, including a first-author paper and contributed as a co-author to research on selenium-engineered supramolecular protein assemblies and extracellular vesicles of human pathogenic fungi.
Apart from research, Shafi actively participated in cultural activities and received several certificates. He also served as a student ambassador from 2024 to 2025 and received the Navigation Star Award for admission recommendation.
After graduation, he has already received admission for PhD study at NPU and aims to become a leading researcher connecting China and the global scientific community.
Hadero Besufekad Tadele
Hadero Besufekad Tadele, from Ethiopia, completed his master's degree in Computer Science and Technology at the School of Computer Science, Northwestern Polytechnical University. His research focused on computer vision, visual SLAM, 3D reconstruction, and UAV-based mapping.
During his master's study, he explored how drones can build accurate and dense 3D maps using monocular cameras, deep learning, and 3D Gaussian Splatting. One of his research papers, "Beyond Implicit Representations: Exploring Gaussian Splatting for Next-Generation SLAM, Introduction and Review," was accepted by the IEEE Internet of Things Journal. He also worked on FFS-SLAM, a project focused on scalable SLAM for large-scale UAV mapping, and completed an internship at SquareStar Technology in Xi'an.
His time at NPU helped him become more independent, confident, and skilled in research. After graduation, he plans to pursue a PhD in computer vision, robotics, or visual SLAM, contributing to intelligent autonomous systems and large-scale mapping.
Rukhsar Ajmal
Rukhsar Ajmal, from Pakistan, completed her master's degree in Biomedical Engineering at the Institute of Flexible Electronics, Northwestern Polytechnical University. Her research focused on advanced drug delivery systems, especially nanoparticle-based platforms designed to improve therapeutic efficiency, drug stability, bioavailability, and controlled release.
During her postgraduate studies, she contributed to a Q1 publication in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces with an impact factor of 8.5. She was also honored as an Outstanding Graduate, received First Prize in Oral Presentation at the 3rd Belt and Road Academic Forum, and achieved a First-Class Prize at the university level for her research project. Beyond academics, Rukhsar participated in cultural events, the China-Europe Youth Dialogue on Civilization, and Sports Week activities.
After graduation, she plans to continue her PhD at NPU, further developing innovative therapeutic delivery platforms for real-world biomedical challenges.
Abdulmoiz Ahsan
Abdulmoiz Ahsan, from Pakistan, completed his master's degree in Computer Science and Technology at Northwestern Polytechnical University. His research focused on computer vision, 3D reconstruction, neural scene representation, SLAM, and image generation, giving him a strong foundation in both academic research and engineering practice.
During his master's journey, he received the Outstanding Graduate Award, Star of Academic Achievement Award, NPU Wu Ya Jun Scholarship Second Prize. He also achieved second position at the AI Global Innovation Competition Final in 2025 and received a Best Paper Award at the 3rd Belt and Road Academic Forum. He was also a co-first author of an IEEE Internet of Things Journal paper on Gaussian Splatting for next-generation SLAM.
At NPU, Abdulmoiz grew through research, teaching, campus life, and international friendships. After graduation, he plans to continue building his career in research and development, especially in computer vision, robotics, 3D reconstruction, mapping, autonomous systems, and immersive technologies.
Continuing the Story
The eight graduates featured in Part One represent different academic fields, including business administration, mechanical engineering, materials science, mathematics, biomedical engineering, and computer science. Their achievements show that excellence can take many forms: research publications, competitions, scholarships, leadership roles, cultural exchange, volunteer service, and personal growth.
For each of them, NPU was not only a place to study, but also a place to adapt, explore, collaborate, and build confidence for the future. Their stories reflect the strength of NPU's international education environment and the spirit of students who came from different parts of the world with ambition, courage, and determination.
As they move forward into PhD study, research careers, industry, international cooperation, and future leadership, they carry with them the knowledge, friendships, and experiences gained at NPU.
Congratulations to these outstanding international master's graduates. Their journeys continue to inspire, and their next chapters are only beginning.
Part Two
In the first part of this feature, we introduced eight outstanding international master's graduates whose journeys reflected academic effort, cultural exchange, and personal growth at Northwestern Polytechnical University.
In Part Two, we continue this story by highlighting seven more outstanding master's graduates. They come from different countries, disciplines, and research backgrounds, but they share a common experience: each of them came to NPU with ambition, worked hard through challenges, and grew into a stronger researcher, student, and global citizen.
Their achievements include research publications, scholarships, academic awards, international conferences, volunteer service, leadership roles, and future plans in advanced research and professional development. Together, their stories show the diversity and strength of NPU's international student community.
Nishimwe Adeline
Adeline completed her master's degree in Management Science and Engineering at Northwestern Polytechnical University. Her journey at NPU began in 2019, when she arrived in Xi'an without knowing Chinese and faced the challenge of adapting to a completely new environment. Over the years, NPU became her second home, supporting her personal, academic, and professional growth.
During her studies, Adeline achieved a GPA of around 94, published one journal paper and one conference paper, and received Excellent Student Certificates during both her undergraduate and master's studies. She also studied Chinese and reached HSK 5 level. Beyond academics, she actively participated in leadership, volunteering, club development, company visits, internships, and international events. She received awards including Best Speaker, Medal of Honor, and Best Participant. Her journey reflects confidence, adaptability, and a strong spirit of growth.
Mike Yondela
Mike Yondela, from Zambia, completed his Master of Computer Science at Northwestern Polytechnical University. Having also completed his bachelor's degree at NPU, Mike has spent more than seven years in the university community, growing academically, professionally, and personally.
His master's research focused on big data and blockchain system optimization, especially cross-shard routing, dynamic sharding, scalability, and reliability in distributed systems. He co-authored several research papers, including work presented at NAS 2024 and manuscripts under review or submission in blockchain and privacy-related journals. He also contributed to a National Key R&D Program project involving multi-modal data storage, Tendermint-based sharding networks, and hybrid storage architectures.
Beyond research, Mike became fluent in Chinese and helped more than fifty international students adapt to life and study in China. He also launched peer mentorship and academic writing support initiatives. His future goal is to advance blockchain infrastructure research and promote technology collaboration between Zambia and China.
Boni Paulina
Boni Paulina, from Ghana, completed her Master of Arts in Foreign Linguistics and Applied Linguistics at Northwestern Polytechnical University. Her three-year journey at NPU was marked by academic dedication, cultural exchange, and personal transformation.
She was honored with the Outstanding Graduate Award. Her master's thesis, titled "Emotion Regulation Strategies for Anxiety Among Chinese as a Second Language Learners," explored an important issue in language learning and identified the "Suppression Paradox," extending Gross's emotion regulation model to Chinese as a Second Language learning. The work is currently under review for publication.
Outside academics, Paulina actively participated in International Cultural Festivals, represented Ghana, and joined the Belt and Road Academic Forum. Living in Xi'an helped her become more confident, responsible, and open-minded. In the future, she hopes to pursue a PhD at NPU and contribute to China-Africa educational and cultural exchanges.
Christopher Samuneti
Christopher Samuneti, from Zambia, completed his master's degree in Civil Engineering at Northwestern Polytechnical University under the supervision of Professor Long Xu. He graduated in March 2026 from the School of Mechanics and Transportation Engineering and became one of the top-performing students in his cohort.
During his graduate studies, Christopher maintained strong academic performance and received the First-Class Scholarship from 2023 to 2026. He also won First Prize in the Oral Presentation Award at the NPU Scholarly Articles Forum in November 2024. His research focused on reinforced concrete frames with embedded metamaterials under progressive collapse, and he contributed as co-first author to an SCI journal paper currently under review in Engineering Structures.
Beyond academics, Christopher supported student learning through grading assistance, academic consultation, orientation volunteering, and student union activities. Looking ahead, he plans to pursue a PhD or work in industry as an R&D Engineer or Structural Analysis Specialist, applying his knowledge to real engineering challenges.
Anis Alam
Anis Alam, from Pakistan, completed his master's degree in Materials Engineering at Northwestern Polytechnical University and was recognized as an Outstanding Graduate of the Class of 2026. His academic journey reflects strong research ability, teamwork, and dedication to advanced materials and energy systems.
During his master's studies, Anis published three research papers, including a first-author Q1 journal publication, and presented his work at international conferences. His achievements were recognized through several honors, including Star of Teamwork in 2023 and 2025, Star of Competition in 2024, Outstanding Student Prize in the 2024 Summer Language Study Challenge, and a Gold Medal in the Belt and Road International Invitational of the 14th Challenge Cup QinChuangYuan Platform National College Students' Entrepreneurship Competition.
Beyond academics, Anis served as a Peer Tutor, Teaching Assistant, and Campus Guide, helping other students and supporting international peers. He plans to pursue a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering, contributing to green energy, sustainability, and education in underserved communities.
Asra Fadaeipour
Asra Fadaeipour, from Iran, completed her master's degree in Biology at Northwestern Polytechnical University. During her time at NPU, she developed as a researcher in a demanding and disciplined academic environment, strengthening her independence, analytical thinking, and persistence.
Her academic achievements include two published papers, one conference paper, and one book chapter. She received the Star of Academic Award in 2024 and was recognized as an Outstanding Graduate in 2026. She also won a poster award at the First Belt and Road Academic Forum and served as host of the Second Belt and Road Academic Forum.
For Asra, NPU provided valuable opportunities to work on research projects, learn new methods, and solve real scientific problems. These experiences deepened her interest in scientific exploration and helped prepare her for the next stage of her academic journey. After graduation, she will continue her PhD studies at NPU.
Muhammad Sheraz
Muhammad Sheraz, from Pakistan, completed his Master of Engineering in Chemical Technology at Northwestern Polytechnical University from 2023 to 2026. His research focused on biomass-derived hydrogels for the removal of metal ions and antibiotics, contributing to sustainable materials and environmental remediation.
During his master's studies, he published five SCI papers, including four as first author, and produced one highly cited paper on cellulose-based electrochemical sensors. He also published two book chapters with IntechOpen and Springer Nature, served as co-editor of a book on hydrogels. In addition, he delivered oral and poster presentations at three academic forums and served as Session Chair and Host at the 3rd Belt and Road and 1st Shaanxi Academic Forum.
He received several honors, including Outstanding Graduate 2026, Wu Yajun Scholarship 2025, and Star of Academic Achievement in 2024 and 2025. In the future, he plans to pursue a PhD in polymer chemistry, focusing on sustainable functional materials and electrochemical energy storage.
Continuing Excellence Across Borders
The seven graduates featured in Part Two represent the wide academic diversity of NPU's international student community. Their fields include management science, computer science, linguistics, civil engineering, materials engineering, biology, and chemical technology. Each story reflects a different path, but all are connected by effort, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence.
Their experiences show that studying at NPU is more than completing a degree. It is a journey of adapting to a new culture, building international friendships, contributing to research, serving the community, and preparing for the future. They have carried their dreams across borders, turned challenges into growth, and transformed their time at NPU into a foundation for future success.
Congratulations to all outstanding international master's graduates. May their next journeys continue to bring knowledge, friendship, and meaningful contributions to the world.
（Source: International College
Copywriters: Ali Mansab; Zhang Chenjia
Editors: Wang Xinyue; Sun Shuqi
Initial Reviewer: Du Xiaoquan
Secondary Reviewer: Zhang Xi
Final Reviewer: Li Ziwei）
