Simplifying Shear Wave Velocity Calculation – Jiang Jianxin’s Path of Challenges and Growth (CEE)
簡化剪切波速度計算方法 – 江健鑫的挑戰與成長之路 (土木及環境工程系)

Jianxin Jiang, an outstanding undergraduate of the 2023/2024 academic year from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) at the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST), University of Macau (UM), has been recognized for his final year project ” “Improved Calculation Method for Shear Wave Velocity,” which won the Best Project Award in his department. The project focused on simplifying the calculation method for underground information, particularly shear wave velocity. By cleverly improving existing algorithms, Jiang Jianxin reduced the complexity of the process, making it more efficient and faster.

Challenges and growth: Overcoming programming barriers

Traditional methods for obtaining underground information often rely on time-consuming physical drilling techniques. More advanced methods that involve the inversion of Rayleigh wave dispersion images are complex and may not provide unique solutions. Jiang Jianxin’s innovative approach introduced a weighting concept to modify the algorithm, constructing detailed shear wave velocity profiles and enabling optimal comparisons under different assumptions. This advancement provides a more convenient and reliable data source for seismological engineering and geological exploration, offering new possibilities for subsurface structural analysis. For Jiang Jianxin, the biggest challenge was learning programming knowledge. As civil engineering students typically have limited exposure to programming, he had to start from scratch with MATLAB. Throughout this process, his mentor, Man Hoi LOK, provided significant help and support. Prof Lok encouraged him to try new methods and technologies and not to give up in the face of setbacks and failures. After multiple iterations, Jiang Jianxin found effective solutions. Beyond technical guidance, he regularly reported research results to Prof Lok, fostering a sense of responsibility and urgency while learning efficient time management and project planning skills that will be valuable for his future career.

Personal development and academic vision

Jiang is from Guangzhou, and he showed a strong interest and talent in English during his high school years. One reason he chose UM is its internationalized background and all-English teaching environment. Additionally, since his father is an engineer, this had a profound impact on Jiang, igniting his passion for the field of civil engineering.

Looking to the future, although the civil engineering field in mainland China faces certain challenges, the demand in the Hong Kong and Macau markets remains stable. Jiang believes that as surface space resources become increasingly scarce, the future development of underground space will become an important trend.

UM life experience and future plans

Reflecting on his four years at UM, Jiang said that the learning atmosphere was very good, and he also actively took on important roles in various student organizations, including Deputy Director of the Activity Planning Department of the Choi Kai Yau College Student Union, Secretary-General of UM Civil and Environmental Engineering Student Branch of the American Society of Civil Engineers International Student Association, and Treasurer of FST Student Union. These rich experiences greatly enriched his university life. In terms of interactions with professors, Jiang mentioned that the professors are always willing to answer students’ questions, reflecting the open and inclusive academic atmosphere at the UM. At the time of graduation, Jiang received admission offers from multiple top universities for master’s programs, including University College London (UCL), Nanyang Technological University, University of Sydney, University of Melbourne, and University of New South Wales. He plans to go to Singapore to continue his postgraduate studies.

Advice for junior students

Finally, Jiang offered valuable advice to future students who want to enter UM. He encourages students to fully utilize the various resources of the university, especially internship opportunities, which are crucial for their future career development. At the same time, he also emphasizes the importance of building a wide social network and recommends that students actively participate in various club and student organization activities to expand their connections. Most importantly, one must be passionate about their chosen field in order to better cope with various challenges in learning.