Activity
Newly Published Paper: How rising salinity shapes methanogenic communities and methane production
July 2025
I am excited to share our recent publication, which originated from my undergraduate thesis, where I spent nearly four years analyzing data and preparing the manuscript. This study investigates how saltwater intrusion affects methanogenic communities in rice paddies.
I am deeply grateful to my supervisor, Peng laoshi, for guidance and support throughout this work, and I sincerely thank all my co-authors and labmates for their contributions.
Newly Published Paper: Virus–Host Interactions in Paddy Soil Methanogens
January 2025
Excited to share our recent publication exploring the virus–host relationships in methane-producing archaea from rice paddies! By combining metagenomic data and CRISPR-based analyses, we uncovered a diverse and coevolving viral community linked to key methanogens. I contributed to the bioinformatic analysis and development of the viral detection pipeline.
Working as Research Assistant at the University of Hong Kong
Since November 2024
I am working in the Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health (D²4H) on meta-omics research. My work focuses on preparing samples and organizing and analyzing sequencing data to better understand microbial communities in public health contexts.
Paricipating International Conference on Geo-Omics of Archaea (ICGOA)
9-10 November, 2024
I presented a poster on how temperature affects interactions between archaea and viruses in paddy soils. This work showed how these interactions may influence methane production. I was honored to receive the Best Poster Award at the conference!
Participation in Soil Science Seminar on Black Soil Sustainability in Changchun
June, 2024
I participated in the China Soil Society’s Soil Biology and Biochemistry Committee and Soil Health Cultivation and Sustainable Utilization Seminar in Changchun, Jilin. I was very happy to learn from soil experts about the importance of black soil, often called the “Panda of Farmland,” and the significance of using biotechnology to effectively utilize black soil. I also appreciate the support from my supervisor Dr. Jingjing Peng.
Master’s Thesis Defended!
June, 2024
Thrilled to have successfully defended my master’s thesis on archaeal viruses in methane-driven ecosystems! My work explored how temperature shapes virus-host interactions and community dynamics in paddy soils. Huge thanks to my advisor Dr. Jingjing Peng for her constant support, and to my labmates—especially those who showed up to my defense hungover but present—you all made this moment unforgettable!
Sharing My Voice at the CAU Graduate Student Congress
May, 2024
As president of the CAU Graduate Student Union, I had the honor of chairing the annual Graduate Student Congress. Grateful for the opportunity to support a year of academic and student activities, and for meeting so many peers who share a passion for science and community building.
Newly Published Paper: Soil Microbial Ecology Through Metatranscriptomics
December, 2023
I am excited to share my first first-authored paper, published with my supervisor Dr. Jingjing Peng. We critically assess the challenges associated with various experimental and bioinformatic strategies that can be applied in soil microbial ecology through the lens of functional metatranscriptomics. We also demonstrate how recent methodological advancements in soil metatranscriptomics catalyze the development and expansion of emerging research fields.
I am grateful to Dr. Peng for her guidance and to everyone who supported this work.
Paricipating 11th Symposium on Geomicrobiology
6-9 June, 2023
I recently participated in the 11th Symposium on Geomicrobiology organized by the Chinese Society for Microbiology and received the prestigious Best Poster Award. This event provided a unique platform to exchange ideas and collaborate with leading experts in the field, and I am excited to continue my research in geomicrobiology, leveraging the insights gained from this symposium.
Discover My Award-Winning Poster from the 11th Symposium on Geomicrobiology!
Newly Published Paper about Bacterial Motility and Soil Niches
June, 2023
I am incredibly proud to share our newly published paper! As the third author, I could not be more excited as this marks my first publication. It has been an amazing journey working alongside my talented co-authors and under the guidance of our exceptional mentor.
Our study used genome-resolved metagenomics to show that bacterial movement (motility) plays an important role in helping bacteria colonize rhizosphere. We found that highly motile bacteria have special genes that allow them to better use carbohydrates and nutrients, making them more common near plant roots than in bulk soil.
I contributed by analyzing and comparing metatranscriptome data to better understand how these bacterial genes are expressed in different soil environments. Grateful for this opportunity!
CAU Special Program on Agricultural Diplomacy
June, 2023
Delighted to be a part of the 5th CAU Special Program on Agricultural Diplomacy! As a representative member, I had the honor of delivering a talk in the opening ceremony.
Field Sampling
January, 2023
Soil sampling in my hometown, Qingyuan City, Guangdong Province.
Cornell - CAU Joint Course “Agriculture, Food, and the Environment”
Fall semester, 2022-2023
One of the highlights of this program was the course project, “Connect the Straw: Providing a Better Solution to Straw Utilization in Sichuan Province.” Our mission was to find innovative and sustainable solutions to the issue of straw utilization in Sichuan Province, a region known for its vibrant agricultural activities.
First International Oral Presentation!
August, 2022
“Soil Metatranscriptomics: Opportunities and Challenges” at 1st Sino-European Microbial Omics Workshop for Young Scientists.
I am very thankful to Dr. Jingjing Peng for her guidance and support, and to everyone at the workshop for the great experience.
Graduated with My Bachelor’s Degree!
June, 2022
I wrapped up my undergraduate journey with a thesis titled
“Metatranscriptomics resolves the detrimental impact of salt stress on the paddy soil methanogens into population-specific responses”
under the kind guidance of Dr. Jingjing Peng.
Huge thanks to my supervisor and all lab members for their support throughout the way.
Happy to graduate! 🎓
I am excited to stay with the team for my Master’s, continuing to explore the mysterious and fascinating world of methanogens!