Before coming to Taiwan, Rohan Paste was pursuing his studies in Nanoscience and Technology with a strong focus on materials for solar cells, especially through DFT (Density Functional Theory) analysis. His interests lay at the intersection of theoretical research and real-world application, which naturally led him to seek opportunities that could bridge this gap.

Before arriving in Taiwan, he didn’t know much about the country. He was aware of its industrial importance, especially global leaders like TSMC—but he had little to no understanding of the local culture or political dynamics. That changed quickly. Rohan became deeply curious and began to study Taiwan beyond textbooks, exploring its social landscape, culture, and geopolitical background, alongside his formal education.

His decision to study at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (then NCTU) was influenced by several factors. The interdisciplinary structure of the Materials Science and Engineering program matched his career goals in R&D and the industrial sector. The financial support, along with a well-structured curriculum, high world rank, made NYCU the perfect place to pursue his dreams.

During the time at NYCU, Rohan was fortunate to have meaningful experiences and achieve several milestones. One of his proudest moments was becoming the first international student to receive the National Palace Museum Scholarship (2021–22年度故宮獎助金), awarded by the Rotary Club of Taipei-Tienmou. He published research articles in high-impact journals, received three research awards from the university, and obtained NSTC funding to attend international conferences. These achievements wouldn’t have been possible without the encouragement from his department and the invaluable guidance of his advisor, Prof. Hong Cheu Lin and Prof. Chih Wei Chu from RCAS-Academia Sinica.

Beyond academics in Li-battery research, Rohan also developed a strong interest in entrepreneurship and actively sought opportunities to get involved in startup-related activities. During his search, he discovered the Hult Prize—a prestigious global startup competition backed by former U.S. President Bill Clinton. Motivated by its mission and potential, he took the initiative to bring the Hult Prize to NCTU (now NYCU) for the very first time in 2020.
He served as the Campus Director, spearheading the organization and promotion of the event on campus. This experience was truly transformative. It not only introduced him to the world of social innovation and entrepreneurship but also boosted his confidence and resilience in taking on leadership roles and tackling unfamiliar challenges.

The initiative was met with great enthusiasm and strong institutional support, especially from the GMBA division. He is particularly grateful to Prof. Brian Yang and Prof. Kevin Huang, whose mentorship and encouragement played a pivotal role in making the event a success. Organizing the Hult Prize at NCTU became one of the most defining and empowering experiences of his student life.

Of course, the journey came with its challenges. As a foreigner, Rohan initially struggled with language barriers, cultural differences, and adapting to a new lifestyle. But resilience, patience, and a willingness to learn helped him settle in. He began learning Mandarin and can now speak and read at an intermediate level, something that has helped him connect better with both daily life and professional settings in Taiwan.

Outside the lab, Rohan discovered a passion for birdwatching and nature exploration. Taiwan, as many may not know, is a paradise for bird lovers. He had the joy of spotting endemic species like the Mikado Pheasant, Swinhoe's Pheasant, and Taiwan Partridge—experiences that connected him deeply with the island’s natural beauty. He also explored the mountains of Daxueshan, Xiaoxueshan, and Taipingshan on his scooter, which remain among his favorite memories of living in Taiwan.

After completing the PhD, Rohan worked as a postdoctoral fellow at Academia Sinica for six months before transitioning into the semiconductor industry. Today, he works at Micron Technology, contributing to memory manufacturing and innovation, including the development of High-Bandwidth Memory (HBM). This role allows him to apply his research background in an impactful way while being part of a global company at the forefront of technology.

Rohan found this opportunity through a university open house event. A conversation at the Micron booth led to an interview opportunity—proof that genuine engagement, preparation, and curiosity can open doors in unexpected ways.

For students aiming to work in Taiwan, his advice is:

"Be curious, be humble, and stay open."

Taiwan is more than a place to study; it's a land of opportunities, culture, and growth. Learn the language, even if only the basics. Invest in your interpersonal skills, communication style, and most importantly, your character. Discipline and mindset matter as much as degrees. Don’t just follow trends—build your own strategy and be open to feedback. There is no perfect version of ourselves, but through reflection and effort, we can become better each day.