Yinan Yu, Assistant professor at the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, has been named Supervisor of the Year.
"I see myself as working in the service industry," says Yinan Yu.
Having supervised doctoral students since 2023, Yinan Yu has already made such a strong impression that the Doctoral Student Board has selected her for this year’s award. The citation highlights, among other things, how she "instinctively makes time for her students despite a host of other commitments."
"I think of it a bit like being in the service industry. There are certain frameworks for what I am expected to do, but beyond that, I try to help my doctoral students with whatever they need to reach their goals," she explains.
At the same time, Yinan Yu stresses the importance of maintaining clear expectations.
"It’s important not to overpromise if you are too busy to follow through. I try to be transparent about my schedule, so the students know when they can expect help from me and when they cannot. It’s something I have to stay mindful of."
She notes that the level of support needed tends to vary throughout the doctoral journey, with more help required at the beginning and less as the student grows more independent.
"I think one of the most important things is helping students become increasingly independent. In the early stages, the support is much more detailed, and over time it shifts towards broader guidance. That way, the need for my involvement usually decreases, and I find the balance works well," says Yinan Yu.
Must be willing to challenge assumptions
One of the other qualities that earned her the award is her commitment to creating an inclusive research environment, welcoming members from a range of backgrounds and perspectives.
"I believe it’s very important to recruit people who are open-minded and willing to challenge their assumptions and opinions. It’s a simple principle that also helps prevent toxic individuals from entering the group – a very effective filter," she says.
This philosophy also shapes the way Yinan Yu approaches conflict resolution within her group.
"Conflict is normal because we all have our own perspectives. If two people are presented with the same facts but draw different conclusions, we need to look backwards: where do we differ? Then we can try to identify the hidden assumptions we may not even realise we hold. If both parties are open to questioning their assumptions and speaking about them openly, it becomes much easier to communicate and find a compromise. It doesn’t work 100 per cent of the time, but it resolves most situations," says Yinan Yu.
Celebration is crucial
The award citation also praises her practice of celebrating both small and major achievements — something she considers crucial.
"It comes from my own experience. When I’m going through a rough patch, it’s important to remember the good moments — a success or an inspiring person I have met. When you’re feeling low, it’s easy to forget what has gone well and the people who support you," says Yinan Yu.
"That’s why I believe it’s important to 'anchor' positive experiences to something memorable, so you can draw on them when you need to," she adds.
Yinan Yu will receive the Supervisor of the Year award at the Chalmers Doctoral Conferment Ceremony on 24 May.
Facts/ Justification
“The Doctoral Student Board at Chalmers University of Technology has decided to grant the Supervisor of the Year 2024/25 Award to Yinan Yu; she is an Assistant professor at the department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) Yinan’s leadership is marked by a commitment to fostering an inclusive research group, composed of individuals from diverse backgrounds whose varied experiences and perspectives enrich our academic environment.
Teamwork is purposefully embedded into daily routines, with transparent processes and an open-door policy ensuring that every member feels comfortable addressing concerns early on. Her proactive conflict-prevention strategies transform mistakes and disagreements into valuable opportunities for growth.
Despite her numerous responsibilities, Yinan instinctively makes time for her students, regularly celebrating both major milestones and everyday achievements, thereby reinforcing a sense of value and inspiring the students to aim higher. Furthermore, through thoughtfully structured challenges, she sharpens problem-solving skills while equipping her students with a robust professional network and a competitive skill set that will serve them well beyond their PhD.
Yinan’s strategic, caring, and reflective approach to leadership has set a remarkable standard, making her a true inspiration and a fitting recipient of this award.”