What is your current research focus and why?

I am currently studying the regulatory mechanisms of neuronal connectivity to better understand brain development.

Growing up, what career did you want to pursue?

Growing up in riverside inland China, I would spend a lot of time exploring the joy of aquatic life. As I grew up, so did my interests in the river and in science.

When and how did you become interested in a career in science?

I guess catching a fish in the river was the gateway!

What made you decide to join the Özel Lab at the Stowers Institute?

When I read the pioneering work published in Science by Neşet Özel, I was immediately impressed by such experimental validations for neuronal identity in Drosophila and reached out to him to discuss potential postdoctoral projects in his lab. Neşet Özel is an emerging leader in the field of Drosophila neurobiology.

After multiple email exchanges and a Zoom call, I was invited for an onsite interview at the Institute for a postdoctoral researcher position in the Özel Lab. I gave a presentation about my Ph.D. thesis and had a chance to talk with Institute members in person. After the interview, I decided the Stowers Institute would be the best place for me to continue my academic career.

What is your favorite thing to do in Kansas City?

I have been pleasantly surprised by all of the fun, outdoor activities such as hiking that you can do here!

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Becoming an interdisciplinary neurobiologist will allow me to explore the most challenging aspects of neuroscience and conduct research that has practical significance. Applying for grants will enable me to build my own research team and supervise my own students.

What advice do you have for other people curious about a career in science?

Being driven by "simple curiosity" empowers me to tackle the most fundamental yet challenging questions in animal development, rather than focusing on potential career achievements. For this, don’t try to do it… do it! This is also what I’ve learned during the 2024 Drosophila neurobiology course at Cold Spring Harbor.

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