More Than a PhD: How Usama Afzal Forges a Bridge Between China and Pakistan

"Ba Tie" – that was the first word Pakistani student Usama Afzal heard from a stranger at Beijing airport. That warm welcome set the tone for everything that followed.

Years later, Usama completed his PhD in Microelectronics at Tianjin University. During his doctoral studies, he published 28 papers, co-authored 4 English academic books, and served as a reviewer for 12 SCI journals. Yet what he cherishes most is the confidence to conduct independent research and the lasting friendships he has forged along the way.

Today, Usama calls Tianjin home, hoping to serve as a bridge for research and academic exchange between China and Pakistan. The word that started it all still sums up his journey: "Ba Tie" – Iron Brother.