CityU Honors Class student wins three awards at X-Challenge Camp, showcasing outstanding research potential

Considering this, the team set out to develop a model that cultures intestinal cells, immune cells, and microbiota together, aiming to clarify the interaction mechanisms between microbial dysbiosis and chronic inflammation, and to identify key regulatory timings in disease progression.

The team integrated multidisciplinary knowledge from microfluidics, bioengineering, and materials science, and proposed an innovative chip design that enable independent oxygen control in different areas and gravity-driven fluid delivery. During the development process, the team set up four progressive controlled experiments to simulate four conditions: healthy intestine, diseased intestine, continuous exacerbation of inflammation, and drug intervention. This approach helped clarify the relationships among gut microbiota, inflammatory response, and external therapeutic interventions. This new model not only enables in-depth analysis of the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis, but also provides a standardized experimental platform for screening therapeutic drugs. It demonstrates outstanding innovative value at three levels: underlying scientific mechanisms, equipment design, and practical industrial applications.

During the presentation and judging session, the team defended their project with outstanding students from nearly a hundred universities across the country. The judging panel, including Prof. Chen Xiaodong, fellow of the Royal Academy of Sciences New Zealand (RASNZ) and the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering (ATSE), as well as team supervisors, evaluated the entries from multiple dimensions, such as the level of innovation, experimental rigor, teamwork, and practical value. The team fully articulated their research background, technical approach, innovative design, and application prospects, demonstrating a solid and detailed experimental plan, a well-structured technical framework, and cutting‑edge research value. Their project received high recognition from the judges. Ultimately, they won the “Team First Prize” and the prestigious “X-Emerging Pioneer Award”. In addition, their project direction “Humanoid Endoluminal Robot” was named the “Most Innovative Project”. Chen Qianyu also received the “Best Academic Award” for her rigorous scientific thinking.The Honors Class at CityU has always placed great emphasis on nurturing students’ innovation, and has built platforms to encourage students to step beyond the campus, participate in high-level interdisciplinary research and learning, and engage with top-tier research resources, thereby broadening their academic horizons and honing their research competencies through hands-on experience. Chen triumphant return with multiple awards fully demonstrates the effectiveness of the Honors Class’s educational approach. Looking ahead, CityU Honors Class will continue to establish diverse channels for innovation and practice, support more students in advancing to the frontiers of scientific research, develop their skills through interdisciplinary exploration, and demonstrate the commitment of youth through the power of innovation.

 

Source: Honors Class