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In March 2024, we profile UCL Master's student and President of the European Society, Jiacheng Zhang (Billy)
Tell us a bit about yourself
I’m in my final year of a master's degree in Speech and Language Therapy, commonly known as Logopedia in Europe. This year, I’ve had the honor of serving as the president of the UCL European Society. I organized numerous social and academic events with the aim of fostering a welcoming and engaging community for students from Europe and those interested in European cultures. As the academic year draws to a close, I am both happy and proud to reflect on the achievements and progress our society has made. It's been rewarding to see the birth of numerous friendships and the integration of our community, accomplished in partnership with the rest of my committee. Finally, don’t forget to follow our society’s instagram page: ucleuropeansoc!
What areas or topics of study are you interested in, and how have you explored them at UCL?
Speech Therapy is a broad field that encompasses both children and adults, aiming to assist clients and patients with pronunciation and communication difficulties. My particular interest is in supporting children with autism or hearing impairments in their language development, as well as exploring how their environments can be adapted to meet their specific needs. Our course at UCL has a partnership with the NHS in the London area, offering opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in practice with real-life clients. These experiences have been incredibly valuable, not only solidifying my learning but also motivating me to delve deeper into evidence-based research to devise the best therapy plans. The time spent with children and their families, and the rapport built with them, has been particularly motivating.
Why are you interested in Europe?
Originally from Shanghai, China, I came to the UK in 2022 to complete my master's course. I joined the European Society in September, driven by an interest in the Spanish language and European cultures. I've found that the ways in which people communicate and socialize here are markedly different from my experiences in China, especially the cuisine! My favorite European dishes include Arròs Negre from Spain, Spaghetti Carbonara from Italy, and Gyros from Greece. Beyond the food, I'm also fascinated by the diverse European languages and the continent's stunning architecture.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
My passion lies in Speech Therapy and Autism, and I anticipate continuing to work in this field over the next decade. However, I expect significant changes due to recent advancements in technology and AI. These developments promise to enhance our understanding of the brain and various neurodivergent conditions, potentially bridging the gap between our brains and reality.