From Chongzhou to the World: A Female Chemist's Journey to National Excellence

Wang Xiaohong, a professor and doctoral supervisor at Hainan University's College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, has been honored with the prestigious National Baogang Outstanding Teacher Award and recognized as a Hainan Province "Leading Talent" and "Nanhai Distinguished Scholar (Youth)." Her 20-year journey from a small town in Chongzhou, Sichuan Province, to becoming a nationally recognized educator and researcher exemplifies dedication, passion, and the transformative power of chemistry education.

Born in 1979 in Daoming Town, Chongzhou, Wang Xiaohong excelled academically from an early age. Her first encounter with chemistry during her third year of middle school sparked an enduring fascination with the subject's hands-on nature. The "magical transformations" she witnessed during chemical reactions deepened her love for the discipline.

During her high school years at Huaiyuan High School, Wang joined the Chemistry Olympiad training program. Every Saturday afternoon, she would attend lectures on advanced chemistry concepts and conduct experiments in the laboratory. "I felt that chemistry could help explore new worlds and new things," she recalls. "The variety of analytical and detection methods is fascinating. Chemistry is also a foundational discipline that is essential for materials science, polymer science, and environmental science."

Wang completed her undergraduate and graduate studies in chemistry education at Sichuan Normal University. Her mentor, Professor Li Shuwei, encouraged her to look beyond the provincial borders and pursue her dream of chemistry education on a broader stage.

"People from Sichuan often have a 'basin mentality' and are reluctant to leave," Professor Li explained. "Wang worked very hard and excelled. When I learned that Hainan University urgently needed outstanding talents like her, I strongly recommended she give it a try."

Following her mentor's advice, Wang traveled to Hainan Island for the first time and joined Hainan University's faculty. She later earned her doctoral degree from Nanjing University of Technology while continuing her teaching responsibilities.

Wang Xiaohong has been teaching at Hainan University for two decades, primarily instructing courses including Inorganic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, and Environmental Chemistry. As the lead instructor for the Inorganic Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry teaching teams, she has organized faculty seminars, curriculum development, and online course construction.

Her Inorganic Chemistry course received Hainan Province's Outstanding Online Open Course designation in 2020, followed by Analytical Chemistry in 2023. In 2023, Wang was appointed as the lead director of Hainan University's newly established Basic Chemistry Experiment Teaching Center, which provides personalized training opportunities and encourages student innovation projects.

"Looking ahead, our next goal is AI course development," Wang explained. "Our college has already completed and begun operating AI courses for the four major chemistry subjects. Core courses with AI-enhanced intelligence are also in preparation."

Wang's dedication to her students extends beyond the classroom. Graduate student Lyu Fuyu, who has worked with Wang for two years, describes her as both rigorous and approachable. "Professor Wang is very meticulous about experiments and pays attention to every detail. Even when we make mistakes, she doesn't scold us—she guides us with patience. In daily life, she is a mentor we can always turn to for help and advice."

Throughout her career, Wang has received numerous teaching awards, including the Hainan Province Teaching Achievement Award (Second Prize), Hainan Province Multimedia Teaching Materials Award (First Prize), and Hainan University's "Model Teacher," "May Day Labor Star," and "Outstanding Teacher" honors.

Beyond teaching, Wang leads research in biomaterials and biosensors. Her team is developing sensors for early detection of banana Fusarium wilt, a disease that threatens Hainan's vital banana industry. By enabling early virus detection in plants, the technology helps prevent outbreaks and protect agricultural livelihoods.

Another research project focuses on rapid detection sensors for multiple viruses in tropical regions, contributing to public health and medical services in Hainan and beyond.

Wang has led over 10 research projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation, international cooperation programs, and provincial key R&D initiatives. She has authored 6 textbooks and monographs, published over 40 papers, and been granted 2 patents. She is a recipient of the Hainan Province Science and Technology Progress Award (First Prize) and the Haikou Science and Technology Progress Award (Second Prize).

Despite her success in Hainan, Wang Xiaohong has never forgotten her roots in Chongzhou. She returns to visit family regularly and has taken her children to experience local cultural attractions like the Bamboo Art Village and Baita Lake.

"If I have the opportunity, I would love to give lectures to students in my hometown," Wang said. "I want to share my educational journey and research experience and contribute to the educational development of Chongzhou."

Wang offers this advice to young people: "Choosing a career based on your passion is crucial in life. If you devote yourself to a field you love, you are more likely to achieve innovation and success. I hope students from Chongzhou will follow their interests and pursue what they truly want to do."