B.S., National Sun Yat-sen University, Taiwan, 2017
M.S., National Taiwan Normal University, Taiwan, 2019
Ph.D., Montclair State University, 2024
I am an ecosystem ecologist whose research focuses on soil and plant processes related to nutrient cycling and ecosystem services, particularly in environments affected by human activities. I study how interactions between biotic and abiotic components are modified in impacted ecosystems such as urban landscapes. My work combines field observations, data synthesis, and computer-based modeling to investigate how human activities alter soil carbon and nitrogen cycling, primary productivity, and the overall functioning of ecosystems. These efforts aim to inform sustainable land management practices that enhance ecosystem resilience and support human well-being.
My recent research also explores emerging topics in urban ecology, including biotic homogenization and ecosystem convergence, to understand how urbanization shapes biodiversity patterns and ecosystem functions across cities. In addition, I study people-ecosystem interactions, focusing on how individuals perceive their environment and how environmental experiences influence attitudes, behaviors, and connections to nature.
Beyond ecological processes, I am also interested in education for sustainable development and interdisciplinary collaborations between ecology and social science. Through these efforts, I seek to advance holistic approaches that integrate ecological understanding with human dimensions of sustainability and environmental stewardship.
At Wartburg College, I serve as an assistant professor of biology, teaching courses such as ecology and conservation of natural resources. I mentor undergraduate students in ecological and interdisciplinary research, guiding them through data analysis, fieldwork, and scientific communication.
Advising Expertise
Biology
Ecology
Environmental Science and Studies
Urban Studies
Sustainable Development
Courses Taught
Concepts of Biology
Environmental Biology
Biology II: Structure, Function, Ecosystem
Conservation of Natural Resources
Ecology
Methods of Biological Research
Student Originated Research
