Hazem Golshany poses for a group photo with his friends in Wuxi. [Photo provided to wuxi.gov.cn]
I am Hazem Golshany, an Assistant Lecturer in Food Science and Technology from Cairo University, the oldest and most prestigious university in Egypt and Africa. My wife Aya, our three-year-old son Younis, and I come from Giza, the city of ancient Egyptian civilization and the iconic pyramids. We traveled all the way from this cradle of civilization to Wuxi, a city known for its rich history as one of the birthplaces of Chinese civilization.
I arrived in Wuxi with a heavy load of hopes and ambitions for learning and scientific research, but what I discovered was quite different—wondrous and inspiring. The charming city of Wuxi surprised me with its beautiful details. Beyond my research interests, I engaged deeply with life here by visiting parks, volunteering in community activities, and feeling a strong sense of belonging to this vibrant place.
Hazem Golshany's wife and son at Jiangnan University. [Photo provided to wuxi.gov.cn]
Academically, Jiangnan University provided me with an excellent opportunity to work and grow. Over two years, I have published 14 scientific papers in reputable, internationally recognized journals such as Food Bioscience, International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, Food Research International, and Food Reviews International. These journals are some of the most respected in the field of Food Science and Technology.
In addition to publishing, I have also become a reviewer for many prestigious journals from leading publishers including Elsevier, Wiley, Taylor & Francis, and Springer Nature. Among these are highly regarded journals like Food Chemistry, International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, Food Research International, and Food and Bioprocess Technology.
My work made me the most prolific researcher connecting Jiangnan University and Cairo University within just two years, with joint research published across multiple fields. If the journey ended here, it would already be remarkable, but it did not.
Hazem Golshany and his son climb Huishan Mountain in Wuxi. [Photo provided to wuxi.gov.cn]
The full picture came together when my small family joined me in Wuxi—my wife Aya and my son Younis, who is three years old and has already developed a love for Chinese culture and language. They arrived a year ago and have been my strong support to continue this journey.
But Wuxi did not enchant me alone; it captivated my family just as much. They love spending time in the parks, zoos, and green spaces all around the city. They also joyfully participate in volunteering activities here, embracing the community spirit.
From a small Egyptian family in the city of Giza to the beautiful city of Wuxi and the prestigious Jiangnan University, we have found a new home and something to love deeply.
And we believe that the story still has more to come.
The author is a PhD student at the School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University in China, and works as an assistant lecturer in the Department of Food Science and Technology at Cairo University, Egypt.
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