Tang Tiantian, a PhD candidate in the College of Hydrology and Water Resources at Hohai University. (Photo/Yangtze Evening News)

Most people have a particular, not altogether flattering image of female PhDs at engineering schools. They envision brilliant yet slovenly women, sporting thick glasses in the library and laboratory. However, the official WeChat account of Hohai University recently highlighted a selection of female PhDs who have both beauty and brains.

Tang Tiantian, a PhD candidate in the College of Hydrology and Water Resources at Hohai University. (Photo/Yangtze Evening News)

Tang Tiantian, a PhD candidate in the College of Hydrology and Water Resources, won first place with 2,108 votes. Tang has won many academic prizes and published four papers during her undergraduate studies. She was accepted as a PhD candidate last year.

Ding Yanran, a PhD candidate in the business school of Hohai University. (Photo/Yangtze Evening News)

Ding Yanran, a PhD candidate in the business school of Hohai University, is regarded as a “piano princess.” She once performed onstage with Richard Clayderman. Ding regularly makes time for exercise in order to keep fit. Yoga, swimming and boxing are all favorite hobbies. Ding also has a careful approach to skincare: “Girls with oily skin should pay special attention to washing and moisturizing. They should use natural masks made from mung bean powder, green tea powder and bitter gourd powder,” Ding explained.

Yao Yu, a PhD candidate in the College of Environmental Science at Hohai University. (Photo/Yangtze Evening News)

Yao Yu, a PhD candidate in the College of Environmental Science, won second place in the vote. She has already published 10 academic papers, with another three in the works. “We face great pressure in the academic field, especially in terms of writing and publishing articles,” said Yao. During the most difficult times, she is forced to stay in the lab all day long, working from 6 a.m. until 12 a.m. To ease her study pressure, Yao enjoys cooking gourmet meals in her spare time.