Postdoctoral Research Fellow (2020-2025)

Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge MA, USA

Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA, USA

Ph.D. in Zoology with honor (2013-2019)

School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China

B.Sc. in Life Sciences with honor (2009-2013)

School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Jiangsu Province, China

Understanding the genetic basis of adaptive evolution over time will offer tremendous insights into the fundamental processes of life. As a geneticist, I explored genetic history of modern humans to uncover our shared past and deepen our understanding of humanity. I also studied wild and domesticated animals to understand the genetic mechanisms of speciation, hybridization, and adaptation, with the goal of preserving biodiversity and preventing extinction. My work bridges the traditional anthropology and conservation biology to the cutting-edge advances in the methods of population genomics and ancient DNA. By generating new ancient DNA and population genomic data, integrating published datasets, and applying advanced analytical tools, I am dedicated to exploring the evolutionary mechanism of modern humans and animals, aiming to address the genetic basis of adaptive evolution of these species. My current research focus on the following three key aspects:

1. Reconstruct peopling history and genetic ancestry profiles of ancient and contemporary human populations to better understand our shared past and deepen our insights on the milestones of human evolution.

2. Explore the local adaptive genetic changes in modern human populations in response to infectious disease over time.

3. Characterize evolutionary history for animals for a deeper comprehension on the interactions between human and animals.