RESEARCH, TEACHING & MENTORSHIP
About the PI
I am a Professor at the University of California San Diego, where I study immune checkpoint receptors and T cell signaling. My lab is interested in the molecular mechanisms that control inhibitory signaling in immune cells and in how these pathways shape anti-tumor immunity and cancer immunotherapy.
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My work brings together biophysics, biochemistry, cell biology, and immunology. I am particularly fascinated by how immune receptors communicate across membranes, how their activities are tuned by cis-interactions, and how these mechanisms have evolved across species. I enjoy pursuing these questions at multiple scales, from reconstituted biochemical systems to functional studies in cells and animal models.
I grew up in a rural area of northeastern China and became fascinated by science at a young age. I later earned my bachelor’s degree from Tsinghua University, completed my PhD training at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and carried out postdoctoral work at UCSF. These experiences shaped the way I think about science: with a strong emphasis on mechanism, quantitative reasoning, and the belief that fundamental discoveries can open unexpected translational opportunities.
Teaching
Teaching is central to how I see my role as a scientist. At UC San Diego, I teach two upper division undergraduate courses
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Structural Biochemistry (BIBC 100)
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Metabolic Biochemistry (BIBC 102)
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I especially enjoy helping students connect molecular details to larger biological principles and showing how mechanistic thinking can illuminate complex systems. My teaching emphasizes mechanistic understanding over memorization. I put significant effort into designing lectures, figures, and problem-solving exercises that make complex ideas clear, rigorous, and memorable.
Mentorship
Mentorship is equally important to me. In the lab, I aim to help trainees grow not only in technical ability, but also in scientific judgment, independence, and confidence. I try to create an environment where people feel challenged, supported, and encouraged to ask bold questions.
Over the years, I have had the privilege of mentoring trainees at many stages, including high school students, undergraduate students, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and visiting scholars. I value working with people from diverse backgrounds and helping each person find a path that matches their interests and strengths.
A guiding motivation
At the heart of my work is a simple motivation: to understand how immune cells make decisions, and to share that excitement through both discovery and education.