An associate professor from a leading university in China has become an unexpected social media sensation after a video of her lecture on artificial intelligence gained widespread attention. The video prompted a public discussion focusing not only on her academic expertise but also on her youthful appearance, leading to questions about her professional credentials.
The academic, He Jing of Beihang University, has since responded to the online fame, while her institution has confirmed her position and extensive qualifications in the field of AI and big data.
Key Takeaways
- He Jing, an associate professor at Beihang University, went viral after posting a lecture on generative AI.
- The video received over 125,000 likes, shifting public focus to her age and appearance.
- Online comments ranged from praise for her teaching to skepticism about her academic rank.
- He Jing has a significant academic record, including over 40 published papers and a citation count of 2,300 on Google Scholar.
- The university officially confirmed her role and qualifications, which are listed on its website.
Viral Lecture Ignites Social Media Discussion
A video explaining the fundamentals of generative artificial intelligence has unexpectedly propelled a Chinese academic into the public eye. He Jing, a professor in her mid-30s at Beihang University's Institute for Advanced Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences, posted the educational clip on her personal social media account.
The lecture, designed for beginners, quickly resonated with a large audience. According to reports, the video accumulated more than 125,000 likes on her account, which has nearly 120,000 followers. However, the conversation soon expanded beyond the content of her lesson.
Many viewers commented on her appearance, noting that she looked younger than expected for an associate professor at a prestigious institution. This observation led to a wave of online discussion, with some users expressing disbelief about her academic standing.
Comments such as, "She is already an associate professor at such a young age?" and "With that appearance, I would mistake her for a first-year college student," became common, highlighting a focus on her looks over her professional background.
A Look at the Professor's Academic Background
In response to the public's curiosity and skepticism, He Jing's academic and professional history provides a clear picture of her qualifications. Her credentials have been verified by her employer, Beihang University, a top-tier institution in China known for its specialization in aeronautics and astronautics.
About Beihang University
Established in 1952, Beihang University (BUAA) is a prominent public research university in Beijing. It is consistently ranked among China's leading academic institutions. The QS World University Rankings for 2026 place it at 388 globally and 81 in East Asia, reflecting its strong academic reputation.
According to the university's official website, He Jing holds the title of associate professor. She also serves as the Deputy Director at the Science and Technology Governance Centre within the Institute for Advanced Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences.
Extensive Research and Publications
Professor He's academic output is substantial. She has an extensive list of achievements that underscore her expertise in her field. Her work focuses on critical contemporary topics such as:
- Artificial Intelligence and Big Data
- New Media and Public Opinion
- Interdisciplinary Studies
She has published more than 40 academic papers in respected scholarly journals. On over 10 of these publications, she is credited as the first or co-author, a significant indicator of her contributions to the research.
Impressive Citation Record
A key metric for academic influence is the number of times a researcher's work is cited by other scholars. According to Google Scholar, He Jing's work has been cited approximately 2,300 times, demonstrating the impact of her research within the academic community.
Her educational journey includes postdoctoral research at the prestigious School of Journalism and Communication at Tsinghua University, which she completed in October 2021. This background provides a solid foundation for her current research and teaching roles.
Public Reaction and the Professor's Response
The online conversation surrounding He Jing was multifaceted. While some questioned her credentials, many others came to her defense and praised her accomplishments. One supporter commented, "She could easily rely on her looks, but her academic credentials are also impressive."
Others focused on the quality of her teaching. "To be honest, this class taught by the beautiful professor really helped me understand AI better. Definitely saving it," another user wrote, bringing the focus back to the educational value of her content.
Some comments also addressed the nature of the debate itself, suggesting that the skepticism was rooted in gender bias. A third person stated, "Some people are being ridiculous. Is it just jealousy towards women? The moment a woman achieves something, they say it is undeserved."
In a humble response to her newfound fame, He Jing downplayed the attention. "I look pretty average and I am not photogenic. Most of the videos are AI-edited. My academic background is also ordinary," she stated, redirecting focus away from her appearance and personal achievements.
On October 1, a staff member from her institute officially confirmed her faculty position and directed the public to her profile on the university's website, which details her extensive academic achievements. This confirmation helped solidify her standing and addressed the online speculation directly.
The Broader Conversation on Academia and Perception
The viral story of He Jing has initiated a broader conversation about public perceptions of academics, particularly women in specialized fields like technology and AI. The immediate shift in focus from her professional lecture to her physical appearance highlights a common challenge faced by female experts in public-facing roles.
The incident serves as a case study in how social media can amplify both expertise and superficial judgment simultaneously. While her video successfully educated thousands on a complex topic, the resulting discourse often centered on stereotypes about age, appearance, and professional achievement.
Ultimately, the episode has not only boosted He Jing's public profile but also provided a platform to affirm her significant contributions to the study of artificial intelligence and new media. Her story underscores the importance of evaluating professionals based on their expertise and qualifications rather than external perceptions.
