June 29, 2026
Xinyuan Zhou ‘26 isn't your typical science student. Then again, she is exactly the kind of student that University of Chicago’s MS in Environmental Science attracts: someone who wants to use the degree to scale meaningful change and advance sustainability practices.
The Environmental Footprint of Fashion
Xinyuan arrived at UChicago with an undergraduate degree in finance from Auburn University and deep experience in the fashion industry.
Her family's successful fashion enterprise in China, an off-price retailer similar to TJ Maxx that has collaborated with over 5,000 brands, is on the brink of growth. Yet, she and her family shared concerns about how to scale while being environmentally conscious.
“We do see a huge inventory stock from pretty much every single fashion company,” says Xinyuan, “and that is a big problem for the environment."
In fact, fashion is among the top polluting industries worldwide, with the EPA reporting it to be the second biggest cause of water pollution and responsible for roughly 10% of global carbon emissions.
Xinyuan and her family want to do things differently.
As the company contemplates a launch of its own fashion brand, they’re pursuing the idea thoughtfully. “We definitely want to do something that is more eco-friendly,” says Xinyuan. “Not just the clothing itself, but also the delivery, packaging, and all that supply chain management that can add to pollution as well.”
Additionally, as the company prepares for a future NASDAQ listing and potential U.S. expansion, Xinyuan noted that her scientific knowledge will be crucial for preparing required ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reports for investors.
While an MBA may have seemed like the obvious path for someone with her entrepreneurial spirit and goals, Xinyuan says she still feels environmental science was the right degree because "science really stretches your critical thinking.”
“That is also very important not just for job pursuing…I think it's important for everything that you will encounter in your future,” she says.
A Transformative Experience at UChicago
Drawn to UChicago by its strong academic reputation, Xinyuan has thrived in the Physical Sciences Division's intimate and highly supportive environment.
She praises the small class sizes of 15 to 20 students, which ensure that "you can really hear from everybody," as well as the exceptionally friendly staff and classmates.
The program also offers the flexibility to take electives, such as a business and tax course at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, allowing her to tailor her education directly to her entrepreneurial goals.
"I think the biggest takeaway is that you learn how to learn things,” she reflects. “You're not here to learn just one subject. You're learning how to learn things. That is the most important thing."
Xinyuan also notes that she was not the only person in her class with a unique background or career aspiration. She not only felt welcomed by her classmates and faculty, she felt fully a part of the community.
To prospective students considering the degree, Xinyuan says “Don't hesitate. If you have a very different background like me, you know, nothing really related to environmental science, you're still very welcome to apply.”
“The staff and everyone here are just super nice,” she adds. “They are not hesitant to help you.”
Microbes, Data Models, and the Future of Retail
The UChicago curriculum has already sparked innovative ideas for her family's business. A major standout for Xinyuan has been her microbiology coursework, where she learned about newly discovered microbes that can grow on and dye clothes.
Because traditional chemical dyeing and its heavy water usage represents the "number one [source of] pollution among the entire textile and clothing industry," Xinyuan sees immense potential in utilizing microbes as a sustainable alternative.
“It seems promising,” she says, adding that there is more research needed, but that it's trying to solve a crucial problem.
Textile dyes are responsible for approximately 20% of global industrial water pollution, according to the World’s Resources Institute, dumping large volumes of chemical-laden wastewater into ecosystems.
“I definitely want to study more microbiology,” Xinyuan adds. “The more you study it, the more you feel like it really plays a critical role in all aspects of life.” Helping to change the clothing production process would be very impactful.
Beyond biology, Xinyuan has gained crucial technical skills through data science and Python programming courses. Despite having no prior programming experience, she successfully learned to build complex data models.
By understanding the logic behind programming and artificial intelligence, Xinyuan says she can envision ways in which her company may be able to optimize its IT systems, streamline labor, and even automate coding processes to improve overall efficiency.
“You learn how to imagine or apply a better system in the future because you know the logic behind it. It's not just about science. I think the logic applies to everything,” says Xinyuan.
After she graduates in 2026, Xinyuan looks forward to continuing in the fashion industry, making contributions to her family’s business, and leading sustainable practices.
“I just think this is a really great program overall,” she says.
Explore University of Chicago’s MS in Environmental Science