Dr Zhang Hanbin
Graduate, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
Lecturer, University of Exeter
“Try to learn something about everything and everything about something.”
Dr Zhang Hanbin’s passion for academia and his dedication to addressing environmental health issues in low- and middle-income countries have helped shape his impressive career. After completing a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Environmental Policy at CityUHK in 2013, he pursued Masters and Doctoral degrees in the UK, solidifying his expertise in air pollution exposure and environmental health research.
Currently serving as a Lecturer in Environment and Health in the European Centre for Environment and Human Health at the University of Exeter, Dr Zhang actively engages in cross-disciplinary approaches to tackle environmental health challenges.
Expressing deep gratitude to CityUHK, Dr Zhang credits the University for establishing a high academic standard, which propelled his career. He appreciates the interdisciplinary education and research foundation he received, which emphasised academic integrity and independent thinking. CityUHK’s diverse range of courses and abundant learning resources for undergraduates also left a lasting impression on him, providing an exceptional education package.
Hailing from Jilin Province in northeastern China, he was drawn to enroll in a university in Hong Kong. This decision was influenced by the modern urban ambiance and professional characters portrayed in Hong Kong TV series he had watched during his youth. Dr Zhang recalls his initial impression of CityUHK as a result of a fortunate encounter. Due to a postal delay, he urgently needed to contact the Admissions Office to confirm his enrolment. Fortunately, a helpful staff member, Helen, resolved the issue, leaving him with a positive impression of the University’s professional and humane approach, as well as its outstanding staff.
Beyond academic growth, Dr Zhang encourages current students to seize every opportunity to engage socially with individuals from different cultures. He emphasises the importance of active participation in clubs, sports and student organisations to foster connections, refine their decision-making ability, enhance their communication skills and cultivate leadership qualities. During his studies at CityUHK, Dr Zhang immersed himself in various extracurricular activities, such as serving as the Event Secretary of the Residence Association of Prosperity Hall and Vice External President of the Environmental Protection Society (EPS), and as a member of the University Rowing Team. As President of the EPS, for instance, he led a group of 30 CityUHK students on a field trip to western Inner Mongolia and Ningxia to investigate interventions on desertification and social life. These experiences enriched his personal growth, honed essential social skills crucial for his professional endeavours, and helped him maintain lifelong friendships.
During his four years at CityUHK, Dr Zhang received excellent training by academics in his department and, benefited from mentoring from his Hall master, Professor Kevin Downing. Inspired by Professor Downing’s life story and global experience and the truly multi-cultural learning and leisure environment at the residence, Dr Zhang decided to go to the UK for postgraduate studies. In 2024, they finally enjoyed a reunion in the UK after 13 years!
Recognising the value of a global perspective, Dr Zhang believes that interacting with individuals from diverse backgrounds and viewpoints broadens one’s horizons, fostering tolerance and inclusivity. As an alumni ambassador for the UK, he actively coordinates both online and offline gatherings for UK alumni, providing a platform for socialising, networking and sharing valuable insights. His current focus includes organising in-person social events, known as “Juice Nights”, and conducting online seminars, in which alumni engage in discussions on topics of their choice.
Inspired by Thomas Henry Huxley’s famous quote, “Try to learn something about everything and everything about something”, Dr Zhang lives by this motto, embracing curiosity as a driving force for lifelong learning and innovation.
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