Chapel Hill · North Carolina

About Me

A brief introduction to who I am and what I do.

Path

My Background

After earning my bachelor's degree in China, I completed two master's degrees in the U.S. — an MPA from Michigan (Go Blue!) and a science-focused degree from the USC (Go Gamecocks!). My studies centered on GIS applications in public service, with additional research in social work, political science, and Northeast Asian geopolitics. While pursuing a Ph.D. in Geography, I worked on a state-level wetlands conservation project before transitioning to a professional role. I've since worked at the USDA's Southern Research Station and now serve as a Senior Environmental Data Analyst and Full-Stack Developer, specializing in geospatial modeling, data visualization, and end-to-end data automation.

Pitch & places

Life's Journey

I was once on a professional soccer path, coming up through Beijing Guoan's youth academy and representing China's U16 team in a friendly against New Zealand, before a serious knee injury ended my playing career. After university, I moved to the U.S. for further study, where I've since built a life and family. I lived in Michigan, New York, South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama, now I am based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. I stay involved in the game as a grassroots referee (a rude one, just look at Exhibit 1 if you don't believe it, and there's definitely more to come) and support my daughters in pursuing their own soccer dreams — they've already had international futsal experience. (France 2023, Spain 2024, and Great Britain 2025)

Off the clock

Personal Interests

Outside of work, I enjoy video editing, photography, traveling, and contributing to open-source communities. These passions keep me curious and balanced. I have a Jack Russell terrier named Sarsy and a Chihuahua terrier mix named Sammie, so I am a dog lover, but I once had a cat called Saddy — she was a total jerk who one day ran away and never came back.