About Me

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I am an atmospheric scientist working on air pollution and human health. My research aims to provide quantitative information on how natural and anthropogenic processes affect air pollution, and how they further impact human health. To support this objective, I develop novel and multi-disciplinary techniques, drawing from atmospheric chemistry, satellite remote sensing, numerical modelling, meteorology and epidemiology.

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The main stadium of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in a polluted day in 2008

 

My motivation on air pollution-related research arises from my affection and concerns for Beijing, where I was born and raised. In 2008, when Beijing was gearing up to host the 2008 Olympic Games, it was awarded an unwelcome accolade: the air pollution capital of the world. In fact, in a survey of 341 major cities in China in 2003, scientists found that 27% suffered from serious pollution and 32% had light pollution (link). Collectively, air pollution in China has been blamed for more than 400,000 premature deaths a year according to studies (link). In the big picture, because air pollution does not stop at national borders, there has been over 5 million premature death in the world caused by air pollution every year (link). Thus air pollution is absolutely not just a threat to Beijing and China. Rather, it is a global issue that the whole world needs to work together. Motivated by this challenge, my research is dedicated to improve our understanding of air pollution and human health, providing accurate science base for developing effective regulations for the service of society.

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As a Ph.D. student in Atmospheric Science at Dalhousie University in Canada,

I worked on a broad range of studies on air pollution and climate change using

the GEOS-Chem global chemical transport model (link). I was also selected as

a support team member of the model, providing technical support to thousands

of users worldwide. As a post-doctoral fellow, I extend my studies to the health

impacts of air pollution and climate change. I am working with a group of

scientists, epidemiologists and economists from universities, governments and

private sectors to provide a joint assessment of the impacts of future wildfires on

air quality and human health under climate change. You can find more details of

my work in the research section (link). 

 

Nowadays, scientist have an increasing obligation to become involved with policy-makers and the public in finding solutions to global challenges, such as global warming and air pollution. However, millions of jargons and obscure languages in science are invisible walls that inhibit the transformation of knowledge to changes in society. Science communication is then the way to break the walls and bridge the gap between science and society. 

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That's why I communicate science with the public, youth, policy-makers and scientists. I started a blog in 2019 to translate cutting-edge research to accessible languages. I work with non-profit organizations to engage youth in fun learning experiences. I also give talks at conferences to communicate with policy-makers and scientists, so as to influence the society and to foster innovation across disciplines. Through these efforts, I hope the gap between science and society can be a tiny bit narrower. 

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You can find more information in my science communication section (link).