BTech Automation graduate Qishun Zhang has transformed his passion for problem-solving into a path that’s led him from McMaster to Cornell.
“Chinese soul, global vision.” That was the high school motto that guided Qishun Zhang when he first arrived at McMaster University from China in 2019. Yesterday, as his Bachelor of Technology (BTech) Automation Systems Engineering Technology class crossed the Convocation stage, Zhang celebrated from afar, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.
Zhang continues to embody that motto, having been accepted into Cornell University’s Master of Engineering program in Electrical and Computer Engineering. He chose Cornell among offers from seven other top-tier institutions including UPenn, Columbia University and the University of Chicago.
“Ever since I was a student in China, I’ve always been drawn to problem-solving and logical thinking,” says Zhang. His cousins’ experiences studying in the U.S. opened his eyes to opportunities beyond China, ultimately leading him to Canada and McMaster.
What drew Zhang to the BTech Automation program was the promise of real-world experience. “From my perspective, engineering is a field where hands-on experience holds more value than theoretical knowledge alone,” he reflects. His co-op placement at Stackpole International – an automotive industry manufacturer and supplier, specializing in fluid power systems, provided invaluable industry exposure and the opportunity to contribute to research and development initiatives and lead the design of upgrade plans for test stands. This experience allowed him to develop technical skills in research methodology, design engineering and analytical problem-solving, while giving him a taste of industry life.
However, the pinnacle of Zhang’s undergraduate experience came during his final-year capstone project: an automated warehouse system that he describes as his most memorable McMaster experience. Working with a team, Zhang pushed beyond typical solutions, writing his own library from scratch to control stepper motors. “Instead of relying on pre-built solutions, I dove deep into embedded systems programming, motor control algorithms and hardware interfacing – learning far more than I ever could from lectures alone, ” he says.
“The satisfaction of seeing our automated warehouse system come to life, knowing every line of code and every circuit was built by our team, was incredibly fulfilling,” says Zhang. This capstone project became the ultimate test of Zhang’s BTech experience, challenging him to put his theoretical knowledge into practice.
Zhang’s academic excellence caught the attention of faculty across the program. Salman Bawa, Community Engagement Coordinator and sessional instructor for the W Booth School who taught Zhang in his Internet of Things class, observed: “Zhang is both intellectually curious and industrious. His stellar academic achievement coupled with his pragmatic approach to seeking and implementing innovative solutions ensures success.” Bawa also noted aspects of Zhang’s character, describing him as a “team player” with “attractive humility.”
Cornell and McMaster share a similar philosophy, they both emphasize hands-on learning and real-world problem-solving.
Zhang credits several professors for their support in his journey to graduate school, including Ahmed Fakhr and Zhen Gao, who provided reference letters and guidance during applications, and Marjan Alavi, who helped shape his career plans. “I value and am grateful for everything I received from these professors,” he reflects.
What excites Zhang most about Cornell is its rigorous academic environment and research opportunities. “The program’s reputation for intensive, high-level technical training aligns perfectly with my goal of pushing my engineering skills to the next level,” he explains. He sees clear connections between his McMaster experience and future success, saying, “Cornell and McMaster share a similar philosophy, they both emphasize hands-on learning and real-world problem-solving.”
Zhang has ambitious goals for his future which include working in research and development roles at innovative Chinese technology companies like Moore Thread and DJI. He is assured that Cornell will help him master cutting-edge technologies like AI acceleration, edge computing and advanced robotics before entering the industry.
Zhang’s advice for future BTech Automation students is straightforward: embrace the project-based learning opportunities and diverse course offerings that span chemical engineering, physics, electrical engineering, computer engineering and mechatronics.
Zhang’s journey to Cornell exemplifies how passion, hard work, and the right educational foundation can open doors to extraordinary opportunities.