Hi!!

Welcome! This is Wenlai Han, a chemistry-student researcher, debugger, music lover, and mistake-driven learner.🤣

Photo by Wenlai at Borobudur Temple Compounds, Magelang, Indonesia

“I’ve been trying to define myself and keep refining myself, and I’m enjoying the changes I’ve gone through.”

As a Chinese international student at Carleton College, I find my deepest awe in the classical values of Confucius and Zhuangzi, trying to pursue a calm mind and balanced attitude as those masters did throughout their whole life.

Having a wide range of interests, I’m experiencing different roles every day.

Becoming a blogger during the pandemics of 2020, I’m learning how to self-reflect from different angles, with one significant part being discovering and embracing nature.

Role 1 – Student Researcher

I’m fortunate to conduct research in the synthesis and reactivity study of late-metal silylene complexes with Prof. Matt Whited at Carleton College, with a current focus on orthogonal binding in pincer-supported silylene systems for catalytic transformations. Interested in exploiting fundamental chemistry principles to facilitate interesting transformations, Wenlai headed to MIT for a 3-month summer research opportunity with Prof. Alison Wendlandt and Dr. Yuan Zhang to investigate selective amine epimerization (2022 Summer).

Role 2 – Vlogger

Why Vlogging?

First of all, boredom in COVID time…

Second, it helps with personal reflection from a different angle.

Third, the posted videos connect with amazing people online even isolated in different parts of the planet!

Fourth, facing public critiques and judgment broadens my perspective and exposes me to challenges unforeseen in my daily life.

The list goes on…

Role 3 – Music Lover

Recital Performance of Chopin’s Black Keys

You must know that the gentleman above takes music as a significant part of his life. As a Music Performance Minor in voice at Carleton College, I enjoy singing, musical performance, playing the piano, composing, and production.

Role 4 – Self-Certified Michelin Chef

Tell you what, I’ve got secret recipes for a bunch of traditional Chinese dishes from my hometown. This is special pho with granny’s recipe – the taste of home.