From Farm Roots to Scientific Frontiers: My Story of Discovery

Some journeys begin with a single step. Mine started with the scent of freshly tilled soil, the buzz of insects in the fields, and my parents’ rough, hardworking hands caring for our crops. This is the story of how my roots in agriculture shaped my path into science and innovation, and how the lessons I learned on the farm continue to guide me today.

At first glance, agriculture and science may seem like two separate worlds, one rooted in tradition and the other driven by discovery. But for me, they have always been deeply intertwined. Growing up on a small farm in rural China, I witnessed firsthand both the beauty and the struggles of farming life. The land provided, but not without challenges, droughts, pests, and unpredictable seasons, tested our resilience year after year.

Roots of Resilience and Curiosity

I was born in the late 1970s in a small village in Shandong Province, China, where everyone knew each other, and life revolved around the land. Our farming community was tight-knit, built on hard work, mutual support, and an unspoken understanding that survival depended on the natural rhythms. Life on the farm was demanding but straightforward. Long days, unpredictable weather, and the constant pressure to provide for the family instilled a deep appreciation for resilience and perseverance.

Like generations before them, my parents were farmers, tending the land with sheer determination and limited technology. Every season brought new challenges, but they faced them with unwavering resolve. As children, we roamed freely, walking to school independently and playing outside until the sun dipped below the horizon, signaling it was time to head home. But childhood in a farming family also came with responsibilities. Whenever we were old enough to lend a hand, we joined our parents in the fields, planting, weeding, and harvesting under the relentless sun. It was exhausting work, but it taught me discipline, patience, and the value of every grain we grew.

I remember those endless summer days in the cornfields, the sun beating mercilessly. I was just a kid, dwarfed by the towering stalks, hacking away at weeds by hand, row after row. The air hung thick and heavy, making each breath feel like a struggle. But even then, in sweat and aching muscles, there was wonder. I’d watch ladybugs crawl along the corn leaves, see how sunlight filtered through the green canopy, and feel an undeniable connection to something greater than myself. I also wondered why some crops resist pathogens and bugs, but others are killed quickly. In those fields, under the open sky, I developed a deep appreciation for the intricate relationships between the land, plants, and other living creatures. It also sparked a curiosity that never faded. The wonders I discovered in my childhood pastures still inspire my passion for exploration and innovation today. 

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Farming was not just our livelihood; it was our entire world. We grew many crops, but primarily cotton as our primary income source, bringing with it a relentless enemy—the cotton bollworm. These pests ravaged crops, feeding on buds, flowers, and leaves. My family and I had to spray pesticides regularly using heavy shoulder sprayers filled with chemical solutions to combat them. The summer heat was unbearable, but there was no choice. If the pests weren’t controlled, my parents risked losing their entire income for the season. One summer, a storm hit, bringing hail the size of eggs and devastating the crops. The fields were left barren, with no chance of replanting. Our home fell into silence, and I could see the weight of the loss in my parents' eyes. I saw how fragile yet powerful ecosystems could be, how a single pest or natural disaster could threaten or destroy an entire harvest, and how hard my parents worked to protect what they had built. It made me wonder: Why is farming so hard? Is there a way to make it easier and more sustainable? 

That moment stayed with me, shaping not only my curiosity but also my purpose. Yet, the most profound lesson I took from those days was the value of humility. Life on the farm teaches me early on that nature is in control, work with it, not against it. This understanding has become the foundation of my research approach, reminding me that true innovation must be grounded in respect for the environment and the people who depend on it.

A Summer of Transformation: Science Meets Farming

One summer, I returned home from high school expecting to continue the grueling work of pesticide spraying under the relentless sun, just as I had done for years. The task was exhausting, carrying heavy sprayers, inhaling the sharp chemical scent, and watching my parents worry about the cost and health risks. But to my surprise, as I stepped onto our farm, my parents greeted me with a smile and said, "We don’t need to spray pesticides ever again."

I was stunned. What had changed?

They had started planting transgenic cotton, a breakthrough in agricultural biotechnology. Developed in the United States, these genetically modified plants produced a natural toxin that targeted the cotton bollworm, eliminating the need for chemical sprays. No more endless hours of spraying. No more exposure to harmful chemicals. It felt like magic.

For the first time, I truly saw how science could revolutionize farming. This wasn’t just about convenience; it was about sustainability, health, and the future of agriculture. That moment planted a seed in my mind. I wanted to become a plant scientist to develop solutions that could help farmers, like my parents, reduce their environmental impact and spare future generations the struggles we had endured.

That summer changed everything. It showed me that innovation wasn’t just happening in distant labs; it could transform lives, starting with my family. And I knew then that I wanted to be part of that change.

Chasing the Dream

Determined to pursue my passion for agricultural science, I attended three leading agricultural universities in China, earning my Bachelor's, Master's, and Ph.D. in Plant Pathology. My journey led me to become an Assistant Professor at Nanjing Agricultural University, where I immersed myself in biology, environmental science, and plant protection. I spent countless hours in laboratories and fields, working alongside researchers from diverse backgrounds to better understand the intricate relationship between plants and their environment. Each discovery and each challenge brought me closer to my ultimate goal: using science to make a tangible impact on agriculture and the lives of farmers like my parents.

I knew that the U.S. was at the forefront of agricultural biotechnology, and I dreamed of studying there to advance my career and immerse myself in a new culture, collaborate with leading scientists, and witness firsthand the innovations that had transformed my family’s farming.

That dream became a reality in 2008 when I moved to the U.S. to study citrus greening disease as a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Florida. My journey took me across the country from Gainesville, FL, to the USDA in South Florida, then to Los Alamos, NM, and finally to North Carolina’s Research Triangle Park, where I now work at GreenLight Biosciences. Today, I stand at the intersection of tradition and innovation, developing RNA-based solutions to protect crops from pathogens and pests while reducing reliance on chemical pesticides. Knowing that our research contributes to a more sustainable and resilient food system makes every challenge worthwhile.

Yet, beyond career milestones, my most significant source of fulfillment has been building a life rooted in purpose, growth, and family. Buying a house marked a milestone, but the true joy came from raising four incredible children who filled our home with laughter, boundless energy, and endless curiosity. Watching them grow, adapt, and chase their dreams reminds me daily of the values that shaped my journey: resilience, curiosity, and the courage to embrace opportunities.

However, adjusting to a new country initially, especially the language barrier, came with challenges. As a non-native English speaker, I struggled to find the right words, articulate complex ideas, and gain conversation confidence. Over time, I adapted. What once felt foreign became familiar. I developed a taste for pizza (I had never eaten cheese in China before coming to the U.S.), experienced the warmth and openness of American culture, and was surrounded by the diversity of perspectives. Every conversation, every new friendship, and every challenge shaped my identity in this new land.

Determined to overcome my communication hurdles, I made one of the best decisions of my life: I joined Toastmasters. What began as a simple effort to improve my public speaking eventually became a transformative journey. Through every speech, evaluation, and impromptu discussion, I gained confidence, refined my ability to connect with others, and learned the power of effective communication in personal and professional settings.

My commitment to science and mentorship remains unwavering. Through my involvement with the American Phytopathological Society (APS), I actively contribute to research, mentorship, and community service, collaborating with like-minded professionals to drive meaningful advancements in plant science. APS has reinforced my belief in the power of collective knowledge and the incredible impact we can achieve when we unite with a shared vision. It also allows me to pass on my knowledge and skills to the next generation of plant pathologists, helping them grow and thrive in their careers.

Looking Ahead

My path has been shaped by resilience, a passion for discovery, and a deep desire to make a meaningful impact. As I continue to explore new frontiers in agricultural science, I am constantly reminded of where I started. The farm will always be a part of me, grounding me in hard work, curiosity, and humility. 

Now that you’ve heard my story, I’d love to hear yours. What experiences have shaped who you are today? Let’s share, connect, and grow together.