Profile

My academic background is quite diverse, and spans the disciplines of biomedical sciences, biotechnology, business management and more recently, bioenergy. I am therefore more of a jack of all trades type (as opposed to master of one) scientist or academic researcher I suppose.

My share of hobby is just as varied, with performance arts (mainly singing, piano, acting and dancing) being at the forefront, followed by exercise and sports (gymnastic, badminton and table tennis), documentary/movie browsing, photography, hiking and travelling.

I was originally born in China, but have been here in the UK since the age of 10, for 15 years (and counting).  Throughout this time I lived in a number of cities including Southampton, Lincoln, various places in London (Richmond, Kingston, Euston), Coventry, Bristol and am now based in Leeds. I currently work as a PhD student/researcher at the university of Leeds, funded by a 4 year CDT (centre for doctoral trainning) scholarship by the EPSRC (Engineerign and Physical Sciences Research Council).

Currently I am conducting my research in combined and synergistic use of Biofuel and Automation technology in Road Freight Vehicles (also called Heavy Goods Vehcles or HGVs). The nature of my research is whole systems based, where I aim to explore not only the environmental, but also the social, financial and political as well as regulatory impacts of biofuel and automation technology implementation within a social-technical context.

A large part of my research also resolves around system dynamics modelling using the VENSIM software, to determine possibilities (measured in GHG emissions savings and costs differential applied to stakeholders in the short to long term) imposed by different penetrations of automation and biofuel technology amongst existing and new HGVs. I hope to ultimately translate the research findings to i) help trucking companies and relevant stakeholders better shape and develop their business roadmap and strategy in a way that is both sustainable and morally just (applying the concepts of distributional justice, or rather, minimizing distributional injustice).

In contrast to the typical office worker, I am a habitual traveller and remote worker – working in the sense of conducting scientific research. As for working location, anywhere goes! I often hike around different parts of Leeds city based on sentiment of where I could most efficiently. Although I do work quite often in Libraries, various cafe around town, and sometimes even outdoors – depending on the weather of course.

I also try to integrated non-work related activities such as dancing, gym, sports and by attending various social events in and outside campus to make my day more varied, fun and therefore effective – and often halt most activities as I reach boredom so to try and make sure I keep up my efficiency (as the old saying goes – you’re being the most efficient when you are enjoying doing something)!

I aim to put in around 7 hours of efficient work per day, which typically involves 2 to 3 rotations of work shifts lasting anywhere between 2 to 4 hours. In between could involve anything from short city hikes to an occasional sports centre visit for dancing and other sports activities.