Soft porous crystals built from flexible metal–organic cages require a delicate balance between structural order and dynamic motion. Donglin explored this balance with great care and revealed how changes in phase or activation can lead to distinct responsive behaviors. Her approach to research shows her personality very clearly. She works with patience, precision, and quiet creativity.

Outside the lab, these qualities appear in many other ways. Donglin works very hard and treats everyone with kindness. She supports the people around her whenever she can. She is also very skilled with handmade crafts. She knits her own sweaters and prepares postcards from our annual group photo. She gives these postcards to all group members every year. This small tradition made our group feel warm and connected, and many of us looked forward to receiving her thoughtful gift.

Donglin will soon begin her new position as an Assistant Professor at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou). We congratulate her and wish her success in the next stage of her career. We believe she will continue to create valuable research and bring kindness to the people in her new environment.

Discover more from The Furukawa Group

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading