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Ya-Jou Chen

Assistant Professor of Environmental Science at Duke Kunshan University
DKU Faculty

Overview


As an environmental microbiologist, I am dedicated to linking the fields of microbiology and geochemistry. I am passionate about bridging the gap between these two fields and uncovering the unknown. I believe that conducting fieldwork is essential to gain a thorough understanding of different habitats and ecosystems. Fortunately, I have had the privilege of exploring breathtaking locations, such as Heron Island in the Great Barrier Reef and Resolute Bay in the Canadian high Arctic.

I believe that seeing is believing. That's why it's vital for me to connect my lab research to the real-world environment. During my PhD at Monash University in Australia, I delved into marine sandy sediments to uncover unconventional biogeochemical cycles. My interdisciplinary skills and multifaceted knowledge enabled me to gain valuable insights into the subject. After graduating, I joined the polar microbiology group at McGill University in Canada, where I got the chance to travel to the Arctic. My postdoctoral work focused on finding the best bioremediation approach to tackle potential oil spills in Arctic beaches. This research had practical implications, which further fueled my passion for utilizing microbes to solve environmental problems.

Now, I'm excited to embark on a new journey as a faculty member at Environmental Science at DKU. I am honored and privileged to be an integral part of this vibrant community, where I wholeheartedly devote myself to fostering the advancement of environmental science. I am looking forward to sharing my knowledge and experiences with the next generation of scientists, in the hopes of inspiring and preparing them to tackle future environmental challenges.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Assistant Professor of Environmental Science at Duke Kunshan University · 2023 - Present DKU Faculty

Education, Training & Certifications


Monash University (Australia) · 2020 Ph.D.