Academic Focus: Major in French; Minor in Information Engineering

Honors：Outstanding Student of Shanghai Jiao Tong University; Meritorious Winner (M Award) and Honorable Mention (H Award), Mathematical; Contest in Modeling (MCM/ICM)

Student Leadership: Head of the Academic Services Department, SJTU Paris Elite Institute of Technology; Leader of the SPEIT Academic Excellence Mentoring Group

Personal Motto: Be rigorous and down-to-earth; pursue learning with diligence and dedication.

Upon entering the SJTU Paris Elite Institute of Technology, Li Yuhan was immediately confronted with the challenges of the distinctive French elite engineering education system. Learning French, strengthening mathematical foundations, studying engineering courses, and developing intercultural competencies all progressed simultaneously. Unlike the examination-oriented learning rhythm of high school, SPEIT's intensive curriculum and demanding academic standards quickly revealed to her the fundamental differences between the two educational models. Initially reserved by nature, she preferred studying independently. However, as her studies progressed, she gradually realized that actively seeking guidance from professors and exchanging ideas with classmates were equally essential for clarifying concepts and overcoming intellectual bottlenecks.

Through continuous adjustments to her study habits, she developed a learning approach well suited to the Sino-French educational model: true mastery is built through consistent daily effort rather than last-minute preparation before examinations. She placed particular emphasis on regular assignments, periodic quizzes, and the distinctive French oral examination known as the Colle.

As one of the hallmark assessment methods in French engineering education, the Colle requires students to solve problems on the spot and defend their reasoning orally. It simultaneously evaluates the accuracy of knowledge, logical reasoning, oral communication, and the ability to respond under pressure, providing a comprehensive assessment of students' overall competence. Li regarded these routine assessments as valuable benchmarks for evaluating her learning progress and identifying gaps in her understanding. When faced with challenging mathematics and engineering problems, she proactively organized problem-solving strategies, refined her analytical methods, and transformed fragmented knowledge into a systematic understanding through repeated review and reflection, gradually developing an engineering mindset.

Her steady accumulation of knowledge day after day laid a solid foundation for sustained academic growth. As her French proficiency and understanding of the curriculum continued to improve, she ultimately ranked first in cumulative academic performance and received prestigious honors including the National Scholarship and the Shanghai Scholarship. In her view, academic achievements represent only milestones along the journey of growth. More valuable was discovering a learning rhythm that truly suited her within the Sino-French educational environment. By maintaining composure in the face of challenges, building a strong foundation through consistent effort, overcoming obstacles by actively seeking advice, and continuously reflecting on her learning, she gradually transformed knowledge into lasting abilities and ways of thinking.

While exploring learning methods suited to the Sino-French educational model, Li Yuhan gradually realized that learning is not only a personal journey of self-improvement but also a bridge for connecting with peers and serving the collective. She hoped to transform her accumulated study experience and effective learning strategies into practical support that could benefit more students. Motivated by this aspiration, she joined the Academic Services Department and the Academic Excellence Mentoring Group. Through organizing activities and sharing experiences, she developed a deeper appreciation for the true value and significance of knowledge sharing.

Centered around the Institute's signature programs—including Reflections at SPEIT, Academic Excellence Courses, and the Sino-French Excellence Lecture—she worked closely with her team to organize sharing sessions on topics such as postgraduate entrance examinations, civil service recruitment, internship experiences, and career development. From conducting preliminary needs assessments and inviting guest speakers to designing event programs, every stage was guided by the goal of addressing students' genuine concerns. By integrating scattered experiences, resources, and information, they provided targeted support for students' academic and professional development.

While teaching in the Academic Excellence Courses, she experienced firsthand the difference between acquiring knowledge and conveying it effectively. To help younger students master the most important and challenging course content, she reorganized textbooks and personal notes, analyzed common misconceptions from the perspective of beginners, refined problem-solving processes, and transformed scattered knowledge points into coherent and accessible learning frameworks. After becoming the leader of the Academic Excellence Mentoring Group, she further assumed responsibility for coordinating course schedules, collecting learning feedback, organizing team responsibilities, and continuously improving both the content and delivery of academic support according to students' evolving needs.

This experience of serving the student community not only strengthened her abilities in knowledge synthesis, public communication, and organizational coordination, but also marked her transition from pursuing personal growth to helping illuminate the paths of others. The road she had traveled herself gradually became a source of guidance and support for many more students.

If rigorous classroom learning established the foundation of her academic pursuit, and academic mentorship reflected her commitment to the student community, then social practice and volunteer service beyond the campus enabled Li Yuhan to fulfill her responsibilities through real-world experiences and deepen her understanding of the responsibilities of young people.

Throughout her university years, she actively participated in a wide range of volunteer activities, including Lei Feng Week, the Sino-French Cultural Festival, and undergraduate orientation programs. Whether preparing venues or providing on-site support, she approached every task with diligence and attention to detail. Through these everyday acts of service, she experienced the value of helping others while gradually cultivating a strong sense of responsibility.

During the SPEIT 10th Anniversary Key Industry Alumni Interview Project, she relied on her solid language proficiency and communication skills to engage with distinguished alumni from various industries. By documenting their professional journeys, she gained a clearer understanding of the profound connections between individual development, industrial missions, and the Institute's legacy, while also developing a deeper appreciation of the responsibilities borne by the next generation of engineers.

During the 2024 Global Elite Engineering Summer Camp, she served as leader of the practice delegation. From coordinating schedules and assigning responsibilities to responding to unexpected situations, she consistently took initiative, assumed responsibility, and ensured effective collaboration, successfully leading the team in completing every task. This leadership experience taught her that responsibility extends beyond fulfilling one's own duties—it also means stepping forward when the team needs support, fostering collaboration, and working collectively toward shared goals.

From an ordinary volunteer to the organizer of major practice projects, Li Yuhan's understanding of personal growth has continued to evolve. In her view, true excellence is never measured solely by academic performance. Rather, it is reflected in the willingness to take responsibility, the courage to face challenges, and the ability to transform knowledge and strengths into meaningful action. Each experience beyond the classroom has deepened her understanding of responsibility and commitment, laying an even more solid spiritual foundation for her journey toward becoming an outstanding engineer.