My PhD project focuses on the eco-evolutionary dynamics of sexual dimorphism, a phenomenon where the two sexes of the same species have different morphologies. The complexity and diversity of ecological phenomena never cease to fascinate me. With my PhD project, I am passionate in exploring the causes and consequences of sexual dimorphism beyond the traditional framework of sexual selection. Ecological factors influence all aspects of an organism's life; therefore, I find it crucial for my research to integrate both ecological and evolutionary perspectives.

I also place a high value on interdisciplinary research. My PhD dissertation includes both mathematical modeling and experimental projects. I believe an interdisciplinary approach allows me to identify intriguing research topics, come up with novel solutions, and embed my research meaningfully in larger scientific context. 

Nov 2024 - Now

Ph.D. in Theoretical Ecology, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Supervisors: Hanna ten Brink, Jasper C. Croll, and André de Roos

Sep 2022 - Sep 2024

M.S. in Animal Sciences, with specialization in Animal Ecology, Wageningen University, NL

Thesis Supervisors: Willem Frederik de Boer and Stesha Pasachnik

Aug 2018 - May 2022

B.S. in Environmental Sciences, Graduated with Distinction, Duke Kunshan University, China

B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies with concentrations in Environmental Science and Public Policy, Duke University, the United States

Thesis Supervisor: Binbin Li

I am interested in supervising bachelors and masters thesis, please feel free to contact me if you are interested in the topics mentioned in my research interests or if you have your own ideas and want to discuss with me.

Teaching:

I am a PhD student in the Department of Theoretical Ecology at at the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics. I use mathematical models and experiments to understand the eco-evolutionary dynamics of sexual dimorphism, and the role of ontogeny in this framework. I have a background in conservation science, public policy, and behavioral ecology, and I still carry with me interests in these areas.

Alongside my academic life, I also serve on the board of the Central PhD Council as the representative of the Faculty of Science (FNWI). I am passionate about improving the well-being of PhD students at University of Amsterdam, especially those who are underrepresented, e.g., international PhDs, scholarship PhDs, people with disabilities and/or neurodivergence, etc. I find it important to engage in the democratic process in universities.

Outside work, I like to read and watch movies. I recently started brewing kombucha and running.