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July 2025

Tell us about your background and how you got into this field.

I am currently a Ph.D. student in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences and the Schiller Institute for Integrated Science and Society at Boston College, working with Dr. Hanqin Tian. My research focuses on wildfires, particularly wildfire-related greenhouse gas emissions.

My journey into this field has been driven by a deep curiosity about Earth system processes and a strong motivation to address pressing environmental challenges. During my master’s training in Atmospheric Science, I built a solid foundation in understanding how global warming influences climate and weather at both local and global scales. Over time, I realized that I wanted to apply this knowledge to more practical and impactful problems with broader societal and environmental relevance, particularly those involving land–atmosphere interactions. Wildfire is a prime example of such a challenge, as it sits at the nexus of climate dynamics, ecosystem responses, and human activities.

Please describe your research for a general audience.

My research, proposed to NASA, focuses on quantifying wildfire-related greenhouse gas emissions—specifically carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O). Wildfires are the second-largest source of these gases after fossil fuel combustion and play a significant role in driving climate change. However, current estimates of fire-related emissions carry large uncertainties.

To address this challenge, I use a process-based land ecosystem model called the Dynamic Land Ecosystem Model (DLEM), along with satellite observations, to improve the accuracy of wildfire emission estimates. As part of this effort, I also integrate machine learning techniques to enhance the simulation of key processes and variables that influence fire emissions. Ultimately, my work aims to deepen our understanding of how climate influences wildfire emission and to provide more reliable estimates of the greenhouse gases wildfires emit.

What drew you to working with Schiller Core faculty member Dr. Tian?

I attended one of Dr. Tian’s seminars and was immediately struck by his unique approach—not only as a scientist deeply engaged in fundamental research, but also as someone who thinks like an engineer, focused on applying scientific knowledge to real-world solutions. His ability to bridge the gap between theory and application left a strong impression on me. Fortunately, I later had the opportunity to share my master’s research with him, during which he offered thoughtful feedback and inspired many new ideas. That interaction solidified my interest in joining Dr. Tian’s group—not only because of his renowned expertise in ecosystem and fire dynamics, but also because of his forward-thinking vision and commitment to impactful, solution-oriented science.

What has been the most meaningful part of working in Dr. Tian's group?

For me, the most meaningful part of working in Dr. Tian’s group has been the opportunity to apply science toward real-world solutions. The group not only emphasizes advancing scientific knowledge but also strongly supports translating that knowledge into practical applications to address societal and environmental challenges. Additionally, Dr. Tian’s professional network has opened doors to invaluable opportunities. For example, with his support, I secured a summer internship at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where the preliminary work I conducted contributed to the success of our recently funded NASA research proposal.

Please tell us about the Future Investigators in NASA Earth and Space Science and Technology (FINESST) program and what excites you about it.

The FINESST program, part of NASA’s ROSES (Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Science solicitation), is designed to support graduate students in leading original research aligned with NASA’s Science Mission Directorate goals. Open to all students regardless of citizenship, it offers a rare opportunity to experience the full academic research cycle—reading solicitation, developing a proposal, submitting it, and awaiting the results. What excites me most about FINESST is the opportunity to take full intellectual and operational ownership of a research project—an empowering and formative experience for any early-career scientist.

What has been your favorite part of living in Boston?

What I enjoy most about living in Boston is the seasonality—even if it sometimes feels like a long winter immediately followed by an intense summer, with spring and fall barely making an appearance. Still, I’ve grown to appreciate the contrast. The extended winters give me plenty of time to enjoy skiing and snowboarding, while the warmer months are perfect for running along the Charles River, which has some of the best trails I’ve ever experienced. Despite the dramatic swings in weather, I really enjoy the active) outdoor lifestyle that Boston offers year-round.