Tell us about your background and why you chose UW?

Coming from Guangxi, China, I grew up in a region with a rich agricultural heritage and a deep respect for the journey from farm to table. When looking for a university, the University of Washington stood out not just for its academic rigor, but for its location in the Pacific Northwest—a global hub for food innovation and sustainability. I chose UW because I wanted an environment where I could bridge my international background with world-class research and a community that values both tradition and progress.

What influenced you to choose Food Systems, Nutrition, and Health (FSNH) as a major?

I’ve always been fascinated by the intersection of human health and environmental sustainability. While nutrition often focuses on the individual, the Food Systems major allows me to look at the big picture—how policy, economics, and culture dictate what ends up on our plates. My Business minor complements this perfectly, as I’m interested in the commercial viability of sustainable food systems. I want to understand not just what we should eat, but how we can build a world that makes healthy eating equitable and efficient.

What are you working on right now, or are looking forward to in the coming year of your program? 

Currently, I am focusing on the logistics of food equity and how urban environments can better support local food cycles. In my senior year, I’m particularly looking forward to my capstone project. It’s an opportunity to synthesize four years of theory into a practical solution, and I’m eager to collaborate with local stakeholders to address real-world challenges in the Seattle food landscape.

What has been the most compelling thing you’ve learned so far in the program?

The most striking realization has been the sheer complexity of the hidden food chain. We often take for granted the myriad of socio-economic factors that influence food security. Learning about the resilience of local food systems during global disruptions changed my perspective on how we define efficiency in business—it’s not just about speed; it’s about sustainability and community health.

How do you envision applying what you’ve learned in the program after your graduate?

I plan to sit at the intersection of health and commerce. With my background in nutrition and my minor in business, I want to help organizations develop food products or services that are nutritionally dense and environmentally responsible. I believe that the future of the food industry lies in the hands of those who can balance a profit-and-loss statement with a commitment to public health.

What are your future goals?

Short-term, I aim to gain experience in food policy or sustainable supply chain management. Long-term, I aspire to be a leader in the global food industry, perhaps bridging the gap between Western innovations and the evolving food markets in Asia. I want to contribute to a world where nutritious food is a standard, not a luxury.

What do you like to do for fun?

When I’m not in the lab or the library, you can find me at the gym. I’ve been dedicated to weight training for a few years now—there’s something incredibly rewarding about the discipline of seeing incremental progress. I also love playing basketball; it’s a great way to stay social and competitive at the same time.

Share a fun fact about yourself.

I cook delicious Chinese plates.

What do you enjoy most about living in Seattle?

I love the contrast between the city’s urban energy and its proximity to nature. Being able to go from a high-energy campus environment to a serene hike or a walk along the waterfront is incredibly grounding. Plus, the coffee culture here is second to none—it’s the fuel for many of my late-night study sessions!

What advice would you give someone considering the Food Systems major?

Stay curious and look beyond the plate. This major is about so much more than what to eat—it’s about history, science, and justice. Don’t be afraid to pair it with a seemingly different field, like business or data science; the food industry needs multifaceted thinkers who can speak multiple languages of expertise.

Interested in food, nutrition, or health as an undergraduate? Explore the Food Systems, Nutrition, and Health major or nutrition minor.