This spring, I had the honor of attending both the University of Wisconsin–Madison doctoral hooding ceremony and the College of Engineering and Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering commencement, a milestone I will carry with me for a long time. 🎓

To my advisor, Prof. Sikai (Sky) Chen, the faculty and staff at UW–Madison, every member of Sky-Lab, and every friend who has been part of this journey: thank you. It has been a privilege to learn, struggle, and grow alongside all of you. I am incredibly proud of what we built together and deeply excited for what comes next.

Here’s to the next chapter. 💗

Zilin Huang with his advisor at the UW–Madison CEE commencement

With my advisor, Prof. Sikai (Sky) Chen, at the CEE commencement.

Zilin Huang with faculty members at the UW–Madison CEE commencement

Celebrating with CEE faculty members.

Zilin Huang receiving his doctoral diploma

Receiving my doctoral diploma during the hooding ceremony.

Zilin Huang at the doctoral hooding ceremony

Doctoral hooding ceremony at the Kohl Center.

Doctoral hooding on stage at UW–Madison

Being hooded during the doctoral hooding ceremony.

UW–Madison doctoral graduates at the Kohl Center

Doctoral graduates at the Kohl Center.

Zilin Huang crossing the commencement stage at UW–Madison

Crossing the commencement stage.

Zilin Huang on the Kohl Center video board during commencement

Appearing on the Kohl Center video board during commencement.

Kohl Center video board showing Zilin Huang during commencement

The Kohl Center video board during commencement.

Zilin Huang celebrating commencement with Sky-Lab members and friends

Celebrating with Sky-Lab members and friends.

Zilin Huang with friends outside Engineering Hall after commencement

With friends outside Engineering Hall.

Zilin Huang with friends at the UW–Madison commencement

Sharing the day with friends.

UW–Madison CEE faculty and graduates after commencement

CEE faculty and graduates celebrating together.