Four Indiana University of Pennsylvania students and Lei Hao, associate professor in the Department of Allied Health, traveled to Henan and Shanghai, China, in August as part of BRIDGE 2026: US-China Health Sciences and Culture Exchange Program (Building Relationships, Innovation, Development, Global Health, and Education).
From left, Jacob Kingzett, Holly Stafford, Emily Lang, Ciara Lynch, and Lei Hao
This international educational experience combines scholarly presentations, health sciences exchange, cultural exploration, and meaningful interaction with Chinese students, faculty, and health professionals.
Hao was the faculty leader for the program, responsible for recruiting the students to attend the event; this is the second year that he served in that role. Hao and the students, all from the College of Health Sciences, presented original research during the program.
The BRIDGE program was developed in collaboration with Henan University and supported by Chinese host organizations. Henan University and Zhongshan Hospital Wusong Branch covered the students’ program-related travel, lodging, meals, local transportation, and other program expenses.
During the weeklong exchange, the students had opportunities to share their academic interests and experiences, learn about health sciences education and practice in China, and engage with Chinese students and health professionals. The program also provided opportunities for the students to experience Chinese history, culture, food, and local communities while building international connections.
“The BRIDGE program is a powerful example of experiential education at its best,” Dean of IUP’s College of Health Sciences Stephen Rossi said. “Our students didn’t just travel abroad. They presented original research to an international audience, engaged with health professionals, and gained confidence in communicating their work across cultures. These are the skills that will set them apart in their careers. I commend Dr. Hao for his leadership in building this partnership and creating opportunities that have such a lasting impact on our students.”
The four IUP students participating in the program were Jacob Kingzett, a student in the Nursing master’s program; Emily Lang and Ciara Lynch, both speech-language pathology majors; and Holly Stafford, a medical imaging major.
“This program enabled our students to advance their clinical, professional, and cultural perspectives in a collaborative international environment,” IUP Department of Allied Health Chair Lori Lombard said. “We are grateful to Dr. Hao for facilitating this transformative opportunity, which aligns with the Department of Allied Health’s commitment to interprofessional education and experiential learning.”
Jacob Kingzett presenting
Kingzett, of Independence, Ohio, is the son of Charles Kingzett and Nancy Fitzgerald. He is a 2012 graduate of Independence High School. At IUP, he is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, presented his original research at the 2026 Scholars Forum, and works with Department of Nursing faculty member Johanna Boothby in the Department of Nursing skills lab.
“The ability to experience the culture, history, and food of China was an amazing experience,” Kingzett said. “From Millennium City Park to Henan University, to exploring the city of Zhengzhou, this experience was one that opened my eyes to a different culture with a beautiful and vibrant history. Furthermore, the ability to transcend cultural and language barriers to make connections with people far from my own home was a special experience that I will cherish for the rest of my life.
“I especially enjoyed the ability to ask questions about research into food medicine and the knowledge that has been gained to help better human health through food. I want to thank Dr. Hao and everyone involved in allowing me to participate in this experience,” he said.
Emily Lang presenting
Lang, of Bedford, is the daughter of Melanie Shaw of Everett and Joseph Lang of Bedford. She is a 2023 graduate of Bedford High School and is a dean’s list student at IUP.
“This was an amazing, unique experience for which I am beyond grateful,” Lang said. “I learned so much about Chinese culture, history, and medicine and healthcare. This is beneficial for working in healthcare because I gained a global healthcare perspective that can be carried into my future as a speech-language pathologist. I’ve also grown in my cross-cultural competencies and intercultural communication skills, which is always beneficial as a clinician in creating a welcoming and comfortable environment for clients.
“I was amazed by our hosts’ hospitality, and I learned so much from them. I left this trip with new friendships, memories, and knowledge that I am certain have helped me to grow as a person and will continue to help me grow as a future speech-language pathologist.”
Ciara Lynch presenting
Lynch, of McNight, is the daughter of Frank and Carrie Lynch. She is a 2020 graduate of North Hills High School. At IUP, she is a graduate assistant, a member of the IUP chapter of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association, and works at the IUP Libraries in the interlibrary loan department.
“Through my experience in the BRIDGE: US-China Exchange Program, I have further developed my cultural responsiveness and intercultural communication skills to better serve and advocate for my community as a future speech-language pathologist,” Lynch said. “This was a one-in-a-lifetime experience, and I am incredibly grateful to Dr. Hao, Henan University, IUP, and everyone else who made it possible. I bring back with me fond memories, gained knowledge, and new friendships.”
Holly Stafford presenting
Stafford, from Albion, is the daughter of Donald and Rebecca Stafford. She is a 2024 graduate of Northwestern Senior High School.
“I think it is very important to shed light on the importance of going on this trip,” Stafford said. “I never in a million years thought I’d ever leave the country, let alone go to China. At first, I was very hesitant about going; I knew no one who was going. However, as soon as we landed at our destination, we were greeted by such amazing people. They showed us the culture, with so many different foods and activities, including when we dressed in traditional Chinese clothing and toured the most beautiful garden, where we experienced live performances and took a lot and lots of photos.
“At the end of the week, we presented at the conference; everyone there was so friendly and welcoming. I’ve never presented at a conference before, but for it being my first time and in China, I think it was the best first experience I’ve ever had. I learned so much from so many different people,” she said.
Sharing IUP Scholarship Internationally
A central component of the program was the opportunity for each IUP student to present their scholarly work. All four students delivered individual oral presentations during the exchange.
- Kingzett presented “Ultrasound-Guided Phlebotomy in the Outpatient Setting: A Qualitative Perspective.”
- Lang presented “Student Satisfaction Differences Between Live & Virtual Simulation Experiences in Interprofessional Education.”
- Lynch presented “Patient-Centered and Culturally Responsive Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).”
- Stafford presented “Beyond the Lesion: Where Clinical Innovation Meets the Human Experience.”
Hao presented “Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD): Dietary Therapy and Lifestyle Modification.”
The presentations provided an opportunity for the IUP students to share their academic and scholarly interests with an international audience while learning from students, faculty members, physicians, and other health professionals in China.
Students at one of the academic sessions, from left, Holly Stafford, Emily Lang, Ciara Lynch, Jacob Kingzett
“This was more than an international trip,” Hao said. “It was an opportunity for IUP students to represent their university, share their scholarly work, and learn directly from students and health professionals in another country. It is wonderful for IUP students to explore health sciences and culture in China.”
Exploring Chinese Culture
The group spent August 16 to 18 in Kaifeng, Henan, where students experienced the history and culture of one of China’s historic cities.
Their activities included visits to the Kaifeng Museum, the Yellow River Cultural Park, and the Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden. Students also participated in cultural activities, including wearing traditional Chinese Hanfu clothing.
The group also visited Henan University and Zhongyuan Agricultural Valley, known as Zhongyuan Nonggu, as well as the National Research and Development Center for Edible Fungus Processing Technology.
At the National R&D Center, the IUP students participated in a workshop with Chinese graduate students. The graduate students asked questions following the IUP students’ presentations, creating opportunities for academic discussion and cross-cultural exchange.
During a tour of the Henan University campus, two Chinese graduate students also served as guides for the IUP students. The students discussed university life in China and the United States, allowing them to compare their educational experiences and learn from one another.
Connecting Food, Medicine, and Health Sciences
From August 19 to 20, the group traveled to Xinxiang to participate in the First Summit on High-Quality Development of Food and Medicine Homology Industry.
The summit provided another opportunity for the IUP students to present their work and engage with researchers and health professionals in China. Hao’s presentation on MASLD also connected his research interests in nutrition, dietary therapy, lifestyle modification, and metabolic health with the broader themes of food and medicine.
Exchange Continues in Shanghai
Following their time in Henan, the group traveled to Shanghai. There, they visited the main campus of Zhongshan Hospital and Fudan University-affiliated Zhongshan Hospital Wusong Branch.
At Zhongshan Hospital Wusong Branch, the IUP students again presented their scholarly work and participated in discussions with physicians and other health professionals. The experience allowed students to see aspects of the Chinese healthcare system firsthand while discussing their respective areas of study with healthcare professionals.
The hospital visit also expanded the exchange beyond classroom and conference settings, giving students an opportunity to engage directly with practicing healthcare professionals and learn about healthcare education and clinical practice in China.
Building International Opportunities for IUP Students
Hao’s leadership role in organizing and coordinating the BRIDGE 2026 program, including his working closely with Henan University and other Chinese partners to develop the program and secure financial support for the students’ participation. He also coordinated student visa preparation, flights and travel arrangements, the itinerary in China, and student presentations. Through his leadership, the program provided IUP students with opportunities to share their academic experiences, learn from Chinese students and health professionals, and develop international connections.
“Because of the sponsorship, the IUP students were able to participate without the major program expenses that can otherwise be a barrier to international educational opportunities,” Hao said.
The exchange also received attention from local television and news outlets in China.
For the students, the experience offered an opportunity to combine academic learning with cultural immersion and international professional exchange.
“It is wonderful for IUP students to explore health sciences and culture in China,” Hao said. “I hope this experience will encourage our students to continue building international connections and to see the opportunities that global health sciences education can provide. The BRIDGE 2026 program strengthened connections between IUP and Chinese academic and healthcare institutions while giving IUP students an opportunity to share their scholarship, learn from international peers and professionals, and experience Chinese history and culture firsthand,” he said.