In a devastating incident that unfolded on August 28, an associate professor at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, lost his life in a shooting at the school’s science building. While authorities have yet to officially confirm the victim’s identity, multiple reliable sources, including Fox News, have identified the faculty member as Zijie Yan.
The shooting prompted an immediate response from authorities, leading to a lockdown of the UNC campus after shots were fired around 1:02 pm at the Caudill Laboratories. The alleged shooter, identified as Tailei Qi, a research student from Wuhan, was swiftly apprehended by law enforcement. The campus community was left rattled by the incident, as authorities worked to secure the area and investigate the circumstances.
Zijie Yan, an Associate Professor and a notable figure within the academic community, was recognized as an advisor to the suspected shooter since January 2022. The suspect, a research student with an academic background in physics and material science, had been part of Yan’s research group for over a year.
⚡️ Associate professer Zijie Yan identified as a victim shot and killed by a graduate student Tailei Qi at UNC (University of North Carolina) Chapel Hill. pic.twitter.com/Wmu53IxSw4
— FLASH NEWS ⚡️ (@FlashNewsWire) August 28, 2023
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, as authorities continue to delve into the case. Earlier in August, the suspect had expressed a desire to connect with others on social media, detailing his research interests and academic pursuits. The tweet read:
“would like to make some new friends. I am a second-year PhD student, interested in nanoparticle synthesis, optical trapping, self-assembly, spectra analysis, and ML. a bit stupid in daily trifles, very enthusiastic talking about research. Reach me if interest.”
UNC PhD student, Tailei Qi, shot and killed his advisor, Dr. Zijie Yan, Associate Professor in the Department of Applied Physical Sciences pic.twitter.com/hpZgg2fUwa
— Bonemeal (@Bonemeal1786127) August 29, 2023
Zijie Yan’s legacy was built upon his four-year tenure as an associate professor at UNC, during which he made significant contributions to fields such as Optical Trapping and Manipulation, Holography, Microfluidics, and Electronic and Photonics Nanomaterials. His academic journey included obtaining a Ph.D. in Materials Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and holding positions at institutions like Clarkson University.
As the investigation unfolds, the university and authorities await official confirmation before releasing further details, out of respect for the victim’s family. The tragic incident has shaken the academic community and drawn attention to the need for improved campus security measures.
