Ph.D.

Postdoctoral Researcher

Division of Plant Science & Technology

My research focuses on understanding how plants respond to unfavorable environmental conditions in order to enhance plant productivity. Phosphorus fertilizer is derived from a finite resource, rock phosphate, and annual P fertilizer production is expected to reach a maximum in about 10 years and then gradually fall below the demand by agriculture. Therefore, it is important to improve crop phosphorus use and availability in soil to optimize crop yield. My research project aims to elucidate mechanisms underlying to improve crop phosphorus use efficiency (“crop per drop”), focusing on plant root adaptive responses, phenotyping, and root-microbe interaction in soybean and other crops, that will lead to more nutrient and drought-tolerant cultivars and guarantee food production in a rapidly changing climate. My current research project is to accelerate adoption of climate smart agricultural practices (CSAPs) in the Midwest to improve the climate resilience of U.S. farmers.

Educational background

• Ph.D. Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, China – 2021