In a world divided by conflict, academic collaboration remains a beacon of unity and hope. Nowhere is this more evident, perhaps, than the field of global health, where researchers share such goals as curing disease, addressing climate change, and promoting a healthier future for even the most vulnerable populations. That cooperative spirit drives Princeton University’s Center for Health and Wellbeing (CHW) and many of its key initiatives, including a global health exchange program between Princeton and Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, China. 

The exchange program, launched in 2017, reflects an international partnership between two of the nations’ leading universities. According to CHW Executive Director Gilbert Collins, “The Center for Health and Wellbeing maintains strong connections with scholars and research institutions from all over the world. This collaboration is unique because it equally benefits undergraduate students from both universities, advancing research on cancer, infectious diseases, health equity, and other global health challenges while also providing an enriching cross-cultural experience.”

After a three-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the CHW-sponsored summer program resumed in 2024 with four Princeton students traveling to Hangzhou and four Zhejiang University students visiting the Princeton campus. CHW affiliate and Warner-Lambert/Parke-Davis Professor of Molecular Biology Yibin Kang facilitated the partnership and plays a key role in managing the initiative. “The arrangement is valuable to both universities,” he said. “Princeton students have the opportunity to travel to China, fully immerse in a new culture, and engage in global health studies at one of the country’s top universities. Zhejiang students get a taste of what it’s like to work in a research laboratory at Princeton and live in the United States; for many of them, it’s their first experience at an American university.”

Zhejiang Students at Princeton    

The visiting Zhejiang students participated in the Summer Undergraduate Research Program co-hosted by Princeton’s Department of Molecular Biology and the Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics. The program offers an intensive laboratory experience through which students contribute to an original research project. For eight weeks, the Zhejiang cohort worked side-by-side with Princeton undergraduates, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty. They participated in research discussion groups and career forums, attended weekly seminars, and presented their research findings to other scientists.

Tianyi Cheng, a clinical medicine major, and Zou Jie, who is studying biology, worked in the Kang Lab, which focuses on the molecular mechanisms of cancer metastasis.

“This summer gave me the chance to learn at a world-renowned, prestigious university and to see how a pioneering American lab conducts its research,” said Cheng, whose project investigated how the main receptors of TNF-α, a cytokine that mediates cell activity, trigger distinct effects in immune cells. The research strengthened his interest in cancer immunology and shed light on differing research styles across the two countries. He was particularly impressed by the collaborative nature of Princeton’s science community.

Jie’s project examined the tumor-promoting interaction between the Metadherin gene (MTDH) and SND1, a protein that controls gene expression, in breast cancer. “Princeton’s academic environment gave me the chance to broaden my horizons and learn a lot of advanced techniques that will contribute to my future career as a researcher,” said Jie.

Jianche Liu, who is studying bioinformatics, worked under Alexander Ploss, a CHW affiliate and Harry C. Wiess Professor in the Life Sciences and Molecular Biology. Liu’s research focused on the human papillomavirus (HPV), investigating factors effecting HPV genome repair, a key step in the infection cycle. The objective, he explained, is to eliminate genomic material formation so that we could prevent the disease and also develop better treatments.

Finally, Xiang Yao, a biomedical science major, worked in the lab of CHW affiliate Ai Ing Lim, assistant professor of molecular biology. Her project deciphered the impact of maternal helminth infection on the immune system of offspring. “My experience was unforgettable,” said Yao, who gained new skills while strengthening her interest in pursuing an international Ph.D. program.

Princeton Students at Zhejiang University

In China, the four visiting Princeton students were hosted by Zhejiang University’s School of Medicine, with funding from CHW’s Internships in Global Health program. 

Rohan Kumar ’26 and Connor McCord ’26 worked in the school’s Lab of Translational Medicine, where they investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying gastric cancer, a leading cause of cancer-related death in China. 

Kumar’s project focused on pancreatic cancer. Specifically, the neuroscience major studied how a particular gene, when overexpressed, leads to the migration of cancer cells. “Pancreatic cancer is one of the most difficult cancers to treat, so I was excited to research something that could have such a big impact,” he said. The experience underscored his interest in a medical degree/Ph.D program. “Understanding and researching diseases will undoubtedly make me a better clinician,” Kumar added.

McCord, a molecular biology major, analyzed the impact of various genes on gastric cancer metastasis. “The lab experience has been incredibly valuable in terms of preparing me for my coursework next semester, helping me understand the deeper aspects of Chinese culture, and giving me the tools to succeed at Princeton and beyond,” he said. It also affirmed McCord’s plans to pursue a research-centered job prior to beginning medical school and training to be a neurosurgeon.

Mary Kate Cloonan ’26, a medical anthropology major, worked in Zhejiang’s State Key Lab of Infectious Diseases, where she looked at how medical devices in the United States move through the health system, from FDA approval through patient care. “I learned about health economics, which gave me new perspective on health and economic policy,” she said. On a pre-med track, Cloonan feels the internship also offered insight into the dynamics between hospitals, surgeons, and administrators, which will be useful in navigating the medical field.

Thia Bian ’25, a comparative literature major who is minoring in global health, conducted research on the prevention and treatment of obesity and related chronic diseases at the university’s Chronic Disease Research Institute. The work reinforced her interest in medicine and studying how socio-cultural factors should impact how we structure health systems and implement policy-based interventions.

Partnering for Progress 

CHW’s global health exchange program exemplifies academic partnership at its finest, embracing diversity as a catalyst for innovation and bringing together some of the world’s most promising young scholars and scientists to advance global health. 

“Collaboration between the U.S. and China, for the purpose of this educational exchange, is really beneficial, especially given the current geopolitical tensions,” said Kang. He emphasized the rewards of cooperative research and the opportunity for students to grow -- scientifically, culturally, and personally.

“Global health has been a big part of my academic trajectory at Princeton,” added Bian, who plans to earn a master’s degree in the health humanities before attending medical school. “Being able to travel and to learn about health and health systems in a Chinese-based context has been so valuable. I’m incredibly grateful for the experience.”