Sadly, after COVID-19, he returned to China to find the center no longer existed.

“That opportunity is lost. It's not the same anymore,” Gao says.

In 2021, during the height of the pandemic, Gao earned his master’s degree in nursing from Duke.

Even though most of his studies were online, Gao says the experience and professors were inspiring. “Ever since then, it has been a dream. It feels great to be a part of Duke,” he says. 

After earning his master’s, Gao got a job working with adult stroke patients. It was this work that motivated him to return to Duke and study the impact of social determinants on health, for doctoral degree.

“My goal is to find better ways to help people lower their chances of stroke,” he says.

Gao is most excited about meeting many of the Duke scholars whose work he has only read about.

“I feel like there are so many bright minds, famous people that I read about. I read their work, and they will be working with me. That, compounded with them helping me achieve my research goals, that’s what I’m most excited for,” he says.