Dehua Lai is a second year graduate student in Temple University’s Dual Bachelor’s Master’s Degree (DBMD) Program, who plans to graduate in May 2011. Automation was his undergraduate major at University of Science and Technology of China and at the graduate-level he currently studies electrical engineering.

While enrolled at University of Science and Technology of China, Dehua created software to control water-levels in a laboratory there. Today, the equipment he created is still functional and they continue to use the software. Last summer, Dehua interned with a power company called ABB in China and he is fortunate to already have a job offer to work there once he graduates. “For students who want to stay and work in the United States, Temple offers regular industry job fairs on campus, where you can speak to company representatives about the field,” says Dehua, “I found them to be very helpful.”

“Temple’s DBMD program has been a rewarding experience,” remarks Dehua. “The professors are very knowledgeable about their subject matter, as well as accessible and patient with international students when English is their second language. Dr. Saroj Biswas and Dr. Li Bai in the College of Engineering were particularly helpful in my academic pursuits.” Dehua worked on an independent project through the College of Engineering where he created software that detects moving objects in videos. The process is called “objects classification” and the software is able to distinguish a human from a vehicle.

“The advisors in the Office of International Affairs, especially Dr. Martyn Miller, are extremely accessible and helpful when I have questions about visa requirements,” he says. “Many of the advisors have dual citizenship themselves, so they understand the intricacies of the process and want to ensure the procedure is as streamlined as possible for international students.”

“I love Philadelphia,” says Dehua Lai, “Students who enjoy a big city with a historical setting will feel right at home here.” Another advantage of Philadelphia is its proximity to New York City, Boston, Washington, D.C., making it a hub for national travel. Dehua has traveled to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Boston, New York City, and he spent two weeks with a friend in Alaska. The two of them camped in the forest and went boating during the day. They saw whales, sea lions, and had a chance to visit some hot springs. He plans to visit Alaska again before he returns to China this summer.

“I encourage Chinese students to look into Temple University’s DBMD program because it is a great way to learn more about the United States and earn a graduate degree at the same time,” recommends Dehua. “After two years, students can then make a serious decision about whether to stay for a PhD, which is a much longer commitment of 6+ years.”