Chapter 226
All eyes focused on the scene.
The presenting student stopped his explanation.
Everyone was watching the Vice President's unusual behavior.
Another Vice President beside him coughed heavily.
He was trying to remind him to be mindful of the occasion.
But this Vice President directly picked up the microphone.
He took several deep breaths to barely calm his emotions.
"I just received official news."
"A student from the School of Life Sciences has published a Compass in 'Science' as the first author!"
The room instantly erupted with gasps.
"Did I hear that right? 'Science'?"
"From our school? Who is that impressive?"
"It must be Caleb!"
"Who else could it be?"
Everyone looked at Caleb Watson.
Professor Victoria Lowell instinctively raised her chin.
He was her most outstanding student.
But she forgot Caleb had no plans to publish in 'Science' this year.
Ashley Lowell bit her lip and glared at Caleb.
She had only managed a regular SCI paper.
Yet he had secretly published in a top journal.
Fiona Valentine and Amelia Roscente's eyes showed envy.
Jude Granger excitedly nudged Caleb.
"Bro! It's you, right?"
Caleb was about to speak.
Shane Holloway suddenly stood up and started clapping.
"Congratulations, Ca—"
"Let's congratulate Sophia Sullivan!" President Howard Truman announced loudly.
The room fell dead silent.
Shane's hands froze mid-air.
"It's not Caleb?"
"Who is Sophia Sullivan?"
"A first-year grad student? Professor Eleanor Watson's student?"
"I've never even heard of her before…"
Hannah Morse whipped her head around to look at Sophia.
"Sophia? Is that you?"
Marcus Lawrence's mouth twitched.
"Who else could it be?"
Sophia snapped out of her daze.
"There shouldn't be anyone else with the same name."
Hannah jumped up excitedly.
"My classmate is a big shot!"
Marcus looked at Sophia.
"When did you submit the paper?"
"Before the semester started."
President Howard Truman applauded enthusiastically on stage.
"Please come up and share your experience, Sophia Sullivan!"
Thunderous applause filled the room.
Caleb also joined in clapping.
Jude looked at him, confused.
"Bro, aren't you disappointed?"
Caleb gave a faint smile.
"Research shouldn't be about one person dominating."
Ashley's expression shifted uncertainly.
Professor Victoria Lowell's smile completely vanished.
Sophia was pushed onto the stage.
She picked up the microphone.
"Academia is a long process."
"Research is inherently challenging."
"Stay true to your初心, and you will eventually succeed."
After saying this, she bowed in thanks.
Her gaze swept over Professor Victoria Lowell's team.
Professor Victoria Lowell's expression was stiff.
A flicker of guilt showed in her eyes.
Caleb's gaze was deep and thoughtful.
Ashley suddenly stood up.
"President Howard, I have a question."
"The semester has been going for less than two months."
"How could Sophia Sullivan possibly publish in 'Science'?"
"This doesn't make sense."
"Unless she cheated!"