hobbies & interests

Personal interests and activities outside of research

🎵 Classical Music & Piano

Classical music has been a profound passion throughout my life, providing intellectual stimulation and emotional depth that perfectly balances my technical research work. I started learning piano during my master’s degree, which has given me tremendous joy and strength.

🎼 Favorite Composers

My top four favorite composers are:

  • Johann Sebastian Bach - Master of counterpoint and musical architecture
  • Ludwig van Beethoven - Revolutionary spirit and emotional depth
  • Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky - Rich orchestration and melodic beauty
  • Bedřich Smetana - Nationalist spirit and folk-inspired themes

🎭 Beloved Pieces

Some of my most cherished works include:

  • Bach: BWV 578 (Little Fugue in G minor), Goldberg Variations
  • Beethoven: Symphonies, Violin Concerto
  • Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto, Waltzes
  • Smetana: Vltava (The Moldau)

🎫 Concert Experiences

I’m a regular subscriber of the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) and particularly admire:

  • Yo-Yo Ma - Cello virtuosity and musical storytelling
  • Yuja Wang - Piano brilliance and technical mastery
  • Hilary Hahn - Violin artistry and interpretive depth

🚴‍♂️ Cycling

I’m an avid cyclist and particularly proud of completing the STP (Seattle to Portland) one-day ride in 2025! This 200+ mile journey was both a physical challenge and a mental test of endurance and determination.

Cycling Achievements:

  • STP One-Day Finisher (2025) - 200+ miles in one day
  • Regular long-distance rides
  • Exploring scenic routes around Boston and New England
  • Participating in cycling events and group rides

Why I Love Cycling:

  • Physical Fitness: Great cardiovascular workout and stress relief
  • Mental Clarity: Long rides provide time for reflection and problem-solving
  • Exploration: Discovering new places and routes
  • Community: Meeting fellow cyclists and sharing experiences
  • Sustainability: Environmentally friendly transportation

🌍 Cultural Interests

Language Learning

  • Chinese (Native): My mother tongue and cultural heritage
  • English (Fluent): Primary language for academic and professional work
  • Japanese (JLPT N2): Intermediate proficiency, ongoing study

Travel & Culture

I’ve been fortunate to experience diverse cultures and landscapes across multiple continents. My travels have enriched my understanding of different societies and technological developments around the world.

Cities I’ve Lived In

  • China: Dalian, Beijing, Tianjin, Hangzhou, Shenzhen
  • United States: Boston, Seattle

Cities I’ve Visited

China - Provinces & Regions:

  • Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Xinjiang, Hong Kong, Macau
  • Inner Mongolia (Menggu), Henan, Hebei, Hainan, Guangzhou, Fujian, Hunan, Hubei

United States - States:

  • Massachusetts (MA), Washington (WA), New York (NY), District of Columbia (DC)
  • Pennsylvania (PA), Florida (FL), New Hampshire (NH), Georgia (GA)
  • California (CA), Idaho (ID), Wyoming (WY), Montana (MT), Utah (UT), Nevada (NV), Colorado (CO)

Other Countries:

  • North America: Canada
  • Asia: Japan
  • Europe: France, Iceland, Germany, Italy, Czechia, Austria, Switzerland (Zürich)
  • Middle East: Türkiye

“The best research often comes from unexpected connections between different areas of life.”