Page 30 - CBAC Newsletter 2017

I spent 20 years in my hometown area, only rotating among sister cities, and felt it was the time to leave and see the
big world. I chose to join the Rudy Laboratory just simply because I like Dr. Rudy since the time he interviewed me
and of course, I like the research here – as written above, I was seeking to explore possible applications of computer
techniques in physiology at that time.

What has your Ph.D. training experience been like?

I first tried to work on modeling for cardiac cells when I joined the Rudy Lab and received a lot of help from Tom
O’Hara and Jordi Heijman at that time. However, after reading Jon Silva’s thesis, it became interesting for me to
explore the molecular details in the interaction in the IKs protein. Later, I struggled with the infinite computation
requirement of the IKs dynamic structure. However, I still am grateful to Tom and Jordi at that time, who gave me a
good start to understand the roles of ion channels during action potential.

I have received help from so many people in CBAC. Dr. Rudy has guided me all through these years, giving me
courage when I lost my data and provided me suggestions when I got stuck in my research. When I just joined the
Rudy Lab, Tom O’Hara and Jordi Heijman helped me understand the physiology of the cardiac action potentials.
Drs. Cui, Silva and other professors are always available to answer my questions related to experimental details.
Also, all the other Rudy Lab members share a wonderful lab life together.

What are the goals you most want to accomplish in your work?

I want to extend the application of modeling into the molecular level of understanding ion channels.

What have been some of the things that you have learned in general since you have been in St. Louis?

I would like to say that St. Louis gives me a ‘true’ peaceful life.

What do you feel is your most important personal achievement?

Having a clear idea of myself, honestly.

What do you expect to accomplish in the next few years? Goals?

Graduate first! Will continue with the current research work and at the same time may try to take some
philosophy courses.

What kind of hobbies and activities do you enjoy in your spare time?

Photography, travelling and hiking. I am currently collecting NPS stamps
and postcards now and going to the Missouri Botanical Garden every two
weeks if the weather is not too bad.

25 | CBAC Center Heartbeat