Dr. Lingfei Luan, undergraduate students invited to participate in summer research camp at No. 13-ranked university in world
This summer, one of the world’s highest-ranked universities welcomed two students in Belmont’s College of Sciences and Mathematics (CSM) and one professor, recognizing the skill and value they provide the scientific community on a global scale.
Peking University in Beijing, the No. 13 ranked university in the world per Times Higher Education, invited Assistant Professor Dr. Lingfei Luan to help teach a prestigious two-week summer research camp.
The camp accepts only 100 participants each year, typically graduate students, PhD students and professors from around the globe.
This year, an exception was made for two Belmont psychology majors — junior Izzy Nguyen and senior Aubrey Kelly — to attend, a rare diversion from the typical participants Peking accepts.
Expert Recognition on a Global Stage
Recognized as one of the leading Asian scholars in film perception research and the only Asian researcher who presented at SMI 2025, Luan’s invitation to help lead Peking’s camp symbolizes more than just her own growing reputation.
“When I received the invitation, I was so excited because not only did one of the top universities in the world consider me an expert, but they recognized Belmont’s reputation globally,” said Luan. “As our reputation continues to grow, we will have more opportunities like this in the future as well.”
A Sacrifice for Her Students
Not only was Luan’s invitation to teach at Peking’s research camp indicative of Belmont’s growing reputation internationally, but how she convinced the Chinese institution to accept two undergraduate students showcased CSM’s dedication to its students.
Luan forfeited the teaching stipend Peking gives to teachers to pay for Nguyen and Kelly to attend to the camp, along with some campaigning that the undergraduates were more than capable of keeping up with the others.
“I thought it was such a rare opportunity — not just to visit another country, but to see how a prestigious university in China approaches research in psychology and human behavior,” said Nguyen. “It was exciting to think about learning in a place that views the field through such a different cultural lens.”
Additionally, CSM Dean Dr. Thom Spence and Assistant Dean Dr. Linda Jones covered flights and accommodations for the students.
The Day-to-Day in Beijing
The first week of the program featured lectures with professors and guest speakers from computer science, psychology, communication and philosophy sharing cutting-edge research methodologies.
Participants explored approaches to analyzing human behavior, including advanced techniques for AI modeling, film perception and moral judgment.
“It was intense but fascinating,” said Nguyen. “We were hearing from professors who were deeply passionate about their work. Even with the language barrier at times, you could feel how much they cared about their research and how willing they were to share their process.”
The second week took participants into research labs across Beijing for hands-on experience with technology and tools used to study and predict human behavior. Some of these tools, such as the EEG machines with eye-tracking tech, are also available in CSM's facilities.
Outside of academic sessions, students visited cultural landmarks such as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace.
Building International Partnerships
The collaboration between Belmont and Peking has opened doors for future exchanges between the universities.
Peking expressed interest in developing ongoing partnerships, including potential students exchange programs that would benefit both universities.
This partnership positions CSM students to engage with research communities at one of the world's most prestigious institutions while bringing international perspectives back to Nashville.
What’s Next
As Luan prepares for a likely return invitation next year, she hopes to bring additional faculty members to experience Beijing's academic environment. The partnership represents a growing network of international collaborations that enhance both student opportunities and faculty research.
The collaboration demonstrates how innovative partnerships can create transformative educational experiences that prepare students for success in an increasingly connected world.
Learn More
Learn more about psychology at Belmont.