A plate of fresh fruits, a dish of tempting candies, and a cup of warm milk tea, surrounded by a group of enthusiastic doctoral and graduate student friends engaged in lively discussions on various themes or casually chatting about their interests, formed the newly launched column of the Graduate Student Association: Doctoral Salon. The first Doctoral Salon was held on November 10th in Conference Room 1316 of the Main Building of the School of Statistics, featuring Professor Zhou Yong as the guest speaker. The discussion centered around the theme of "Big Data - Opportunities and Challenges Facing Internet Finance."
Recently, the hot topic of "big data" has captured everyone's interest. Teacher Zhou started by introducing what big data is, how "big" data has become in China, and the development of big data abroad. Coinciding with the "Double Eleven" event, Teacher Zhou used Alibaba as an example to explain how big data permeates our lives and affects our lifestyles, among other things. He also pointed out the significant impact big data has on various industries, including banking. This was followed by a transition from practical needs to professional topics, discussing the factors often considered in high-dimensional problem research triggered by big data, the methods used, and the issues that need attention, etc. Teacher Zhou’s language is humorous and personable, and the applause and laughter during the discussion were like steaming milk tea, warming the hearts of everyone present.
After Teacher Zhou shared his thoughts and suggestions on big data, he answered some of the confusions expressed by the doctoral students and first-year master's students present. Teacher Zhou mentioned that the most pleasant thing is to brew a cup of tea on a quiet afternoon, listen to the sound of snowflakes falling outside the window, read literature in hand, or sit together with classmates and chat about beta. He said that starting out as a PhD student is difficult; just like when he was pursuing his master's degree, beginning to read literature was also hard. However, after persistently pushing through, you gradually find a direction to research, and as you read more literature, you will discover the infinite joy that knowledge brings you. Reading literature feels like diving into exciting novels. Amid laughter and joy, this session of the doctoral salon is drawing to a close. In the final segment, the research association presented a beautifully crafted souvenir inscribed with "Memories of the Doctoral Salon" to Teacher Zhou Yong, expressing gratitude for him taking time out of his busy schedule to share his experiences and thoughts with us.
The first doctoral salon event has successfully concluded. What touched me the most was not only Professor Zhou's profound academic knowledge but also that genuine kindness towards others. Additionally, I felt the earnest expectations from a respected elder towards the younger generation. Although the event has ended, the earnest teachings from Professor Zhou and the waves of laughter in that room on that cold afternoon are enough to warm the entire winter.
