More about me:

• My name in Chinese is 谢丰, and I was raised in Guilin, a picturesque city in Southern China renowned for its stunning landscapes, famously described as “桂林山水甲天下” (East or west, Guilin scenery is best).

• My academic journey has taken me to three different countries across the world, enriching my experiences and adventures. I completed my BS degree in China, where I traveled across the country for hiking and mountaineering. During my PhD in Singapore, I explored neighboring countries in tropical Southeast Asia to see volcanoes, rain forests, and the underwater world. This is my favorite cycling route and I was also a marathon runner in Singapore. In the United States, I have enjoyed visiting national parks and immersing myself in the wilderness.
• My favorite national park is Wrangell-St. Elias National Park in Alaska, where I spent a night camping beside a glacier and did glacier hiking (real wilderness experience). I also really enjoy Gates of the Arctic National Park, one of the most remote places in the U.S. We drove along the Dalton Highway, camped at Galbraith Lake Campground, and was treated to a breathtaking display of the northern lights in the Premier Wilderness. My favorite trail is Half Dome via the John Muir Trail in Yosemite National Park. I spent the whole day (13 hours+) completing this 16-mile round-trip hike, but the stunning scenery made it all worthwhile.