Hometown: Nantong, Jiangsu province, China. I grew up in Nantong until I went into college in Nanjing, where I spent four years. After getting a bachelor’s degree, I decided to change my study direction. Then, I moved to Gainesville, Fla.
Favorite part of ag or natural resources: To be the bridge among producers, consumers and government. In my study of agricultural crop systems, I noticed the lack of communication between farmers and consumers. The policy and latest technology can’t be conveyed to farmers in time. I have enthusiasm to connect these three parts.
Expected degree/graduation date: Master’s in agricultural communication, August 2014.
Completed degrees: Bachelor’s in agronomy, Nanjing Agricultural University, June 2011.
Time with the PIE Center: I began working on focus group transcription in October 2012, then started writing news stories and assisting on research in 2013.
PIE Center projects: Helped coding the transcriptions from local choice focus groups. Analyzed the top 10 Florida newspapers’ coverage on local food. Writing news stories in Trends & Topics for the PIE Center.
Goals after graduation: People have an ingrained perception that agriculture and food are stuck in the mud and don’t need high technology. I want to work on changing people’s minds and letting them realize the importance of the agricultural industry in our everyday lives. Agriculture and food markets still have large potential to dig into.
Hidden talent: I practiced calligraphy for over ten years. My friend even used my work as a tattoo.
Favorite food: Steamed dumplings and the dishes cooked by Mom.
Best superpower: Fly in the sky.
Favorite animal: Rabbit.
