Xinyan Huang completed his PhD in the Hazelab research group in 2016. 
What did you learn during your time at Imperial, in class and out?
"I believe the most important thing I have learned is to have passion to do things that you love, even sometimes they look meaningless."
Tell us a bit about the work you’re doing now.
"I am currently an Assistant Professor in the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, continuing my research on Fire Science, and educating the next generation of Fire Protection Engineers."
What would be your advice for current students?
"Enjoy the life in Imperial, in London, you will miss it!"
What is your fondest memory of your time here?
"Having the freedom to play with fire in our fire lab is one of my fondest memory. Also, as a Mechanical Engineer, I somehow won the Qatar Petroleum Award from the Department of Mechanical Engineering."
Were you involved in extra-curricular activities?
"Not really, but I used the Imperial student ID card to watch all IMAX movies in the Science Museum for free, and I often had my afternoon coffee break in the garden of the V&A Museum."
How has what you learned at Imperial helped you in your career so far?
"I learned to have a vision and to be willing to think greater. I also learned how to do the best research in the world."
What are your plans for the future?
"I will build the best fire research centre in Asia in next 10-20 years."