In this 70th anniversary of Nursing Studies at the University of Edinburgh, alumnus Mengying Zhang shares her experiences as a valued member of our Nursing Studies community
Could you introduce yourself and share when you studied in Nursing Studies at the University of Edinburgh?
My name is Mengying Zhang, and I completed my MSc and PhD in Nursing Studies in School of Health in Social Science at UoE from 2019 to 2024. My PhD work is a realist evaluation study to explore how smoking cessation apps work for Chinese smokers. I now work as a Research Associate in the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Palliative Care at King’s College London, specialising in digital health design and evaluation, with the methodological focus of participatory design and realist evaluation, and the use of GenAI tools to support health research and innovation.
What inspired you to pursue a career in nursing/further studies in nursing?
My inspiration came from a strong desire to improve healthcare through innovation. During my undergraduate studies in China, I designed an app for people with chronic diseases to manage their blood pressure and blood sugar. This sparked my interest in digital technologies in nursing, and I chose this topic as my dissertation for MSc degree and PhD thesis. From my view, studying nursing was never just about acquiring clinical knowledge. It was about understanding people, their behaviours, and the complexities of the health system. This led me to further studies and eventually to my focus on digital health, where I could combine technology, patient needs, and nursing perspectives to design better solutions.
Looking back, what was the most rewarding part of your experience in Nursing Studies?
The most rewarding part was the intellectual transformation I experienced. Nursing Studies at the University of Edinburgh encouraged me to think critically, challenge assumptions, and view nursing through sociological, philosophical, and global health lenses. I still remember the small-group discussions where we explored identity, power, ethics, and the future of nursing. Those sessions changed the way I understood my profession and myself.
What challenges did you face during your studies, and how did you overcome them?
As an international student, the language barrier is one of the significant challenges. I believe this challenge will also be faced by many international students. I would suggest speaking more, listening more, and being brave! You’ve been excellent enough to stand here and study using a 2nd language.
Can you share your experience of being part of the community in Nursing Studies?
During my PhD, I took part in several meaningful activities, such as tutoring, being a research assistant, being a PGR student Rep etc. Even after graduation, I have remained connected with faculty members and my peers. This community has continued to encourage my career growth, whether through mentorship, collaboration opportunities, or simply cheering me up.
How has being part of Nursing Studies shaped your career?
My experience of being a tutor and research assistant has equipped me with essential skills to conduct teaching and research work in Nursing Studies. I am so grateful for these opportunities at HiSS.
What advice would you give to current and future nursing students?
The first thing is don’t be afraid to challenge yourself. Feeling uncomfortable is often the first step toward meaningful growth. And always keep connected with your supervisors and peers. For Nursing students, I would like to say, our discipline offers perspectives and skills that are essential in shaping the future of healthcare, but your path doesn’t have to be traditional. You can create your own way: clinical, academic, technological, or a mix of all.
Do you have any reflections or wishes for Nursing Studies on its 70th anniversary?
Congratulations to Nursing Studies on its 70th anniversary! My wish is that the programme continues to lead the way in shaping the future of nursing! I am deeply proud to be an alumna of Nursing Studies at the University of Edinburgh, and I am grateful for the foundation it gave me!
