Rongsheng Zheng

I chose the University of Edinburgh for its global leadership in sustainability and geoscientific research. Food Security is a complex global challenge involving climate, policy, and livelihoods; Edinburgh offers an exceptional interdisciplinary perspective. I have always been passionate about securing food supplies under climate risks, and the programme’s curriculum perfectly aligned with my professional aspirations.

The transition was both challenging and incredibly rewarding. Moving from an undergraduate focus on Wine Engineering to a Master’s in Food Security required a significant shift from specialised technical production to global systemic analysis. The curriculum at Edinburgh is rigorous and pushed me to quickly master broad analytical frameworks. While the subject matter changed, the scientific mindset emphasised by the School is universal. This leap from technical detail to a "big picture" perspective laid the groundwork for my current role, where I handle complex business logic daily.

My career journey has taken an exciting and non-traditional path. After earning my degree at Edinburgh, I joined Amazon Web Services (AWS). While cloud computing might seem distant from food systems, the data-driven decision-making, complex systems analysis, and global perspective I developed at Edinburgh were the very tools that opened the doors to a leading tech giant. Today, I balance my professional role at AWS with a deep commitment to sustainability. 

Outside of my day job, I continue to drive my sustainable initiatives, which led to my recognition as a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Youth4Climate awardee. Currently, I am the Team Leader for Stonefiber LEGo Studio, which was selected for the 2024 Youth4Climate Award, securing $30,000 in funding. Operating out of Suzhou and Shanghai, we are tackling the massive carbon footprint of traditional industrial materials by driving the commercial adoption of Basalt Fiber—a high-performance, eco-friendly composite upcycled from volcanic rock. We are actively piloting this material in local communities to replace higher-carbon alternatives.

Prior to this, I was a 2023 Youth4Climate finalist with my project Natural Creation, where we developed an eco-friendly pet food using black soldier fly insect protein as a sustainable substitute for traditional animal protein.

Find out more about UNDP Youth4Climate

Edinburgh gave me more than just expertise; it gave me the resilience to solve problems across sectors. 

My journey with UNDP Youth4Climate - from being a finalist in Rome in 2023 to becoming an awardee in 2024 - was built on the research methodologies I mastered at university. This transnational exchange of academic and project practice significantly expanded my professional horizons and showed me how sustainable development operates on a global scale.

The various field trips were particularly instrumental; they taught me how to rapidly translate theory into actionable solutions under pressure, a skill that is vital in my fast-paced role at AWS today. While my Master's was based in Edinburgh, the field trips were essentially a form of "learning on the move." They took us deep into different UK agricultural landscapes and production sites, allowing me to see the direct interaction between policy and the land. This practical experience was far more profound than just reading literature in a classroom. 

Although my current role at AWS isn't directly tied to sustainability, I apply the underlying logic of "sustainable development" to technology. Whether it's data analysis or resource optimisation, I instinctively consider long-term impacts and efficiency. Furthermore, the cross-cultural communication skills I gained at Edinburgh allow me to collaborate seamlessly with global teams. Most importantly, the professional confidence I built during my studies empowers me to continue practicing and advancing food security and environmental projects outside of my core work.

As an international student, I found the University of Edinburgh to be an incredibly inclusive and vibrant community. I never felt like an "outsider." The University provides extensive resources to help us adapt to the UK academic environment. What I valued most was the diversity - during group discussions or field trips, I could exchange different perspectives on food security with peers from all over the globe. This international exposure directly empowered me to confidently present my ideas on the global stage during the 2023 UNDP pitch in Rome, representing the voice of Chinese youth in sustainable development.

My dissertation explored the sustainable development pathways of China’s wine sector under the pressures of climate change and resource constraints. Building on my undergraduate background in Wine Engineering, I utilised the food security frameworks learned at Edinburgh to analyse how this traditional industry can minimise its environmental footprint while enhancing resilience to climate risks. It’s not just about winemaking; it’s about optimising resource efficiency within a shifting environmental landscape.

My advice is to "bridge your past with your future." Don't hesitate to choose a field you are already familiar with; the key is to re-examine it through the new lenses you've acquired at Edinburgh (such as food security or climate risk). This interdisciplinary synergy often adds unique depth to your research. Also, secure your data sources early and maintain close communication with your supervisor - they are experts at uncovering extraordinary academic value from seemingly standard topics.

Advice: Never limit your future based on your degree title. Even with a Food Security background, you can excel in top tech companies like AWS. The logical framework you build in GeoSciences is universal.

Top Tips: Cherish every field trip - it’s a rare opportunity to "get your boots muddy" and understand how the world actually works. Also, be bold. Whether it’s applying for UNDP initiatives or cross-sector internships, just go for it. Your Edinburgh background is your strongest endorsement.

Interdisciplinary, Applied, Empowering.