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SCIENCE SPARKS 2025

Welcoming Our New Academics

Professor Zhigang BAO

 

Professor Zhigang BAO
Associate Professor
Department of Mathematics

‘The answers we've found have only raised more questions, leaving us as confused as ever—but on higher level an about more important things.’
 


‘When I'm not working, I enjoy watching movies and listening to music, and sometimes I go hiking.’

  • PhD in Mathematics from Zhejiang Univesity, China
  • Previously a postdoctoral researcher at Nanyang Technological Univesity and IST Austria (2013-2016), he later served as an Associate Professor at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (2016-2024)
  • Specilalises in random matrix theory, free probability theory, and high-dimensional statistics

‘Success comes when you work hard, be respectful, and stay open-minded.’

Dr Jonathan David CYBULSKI


Dr Jonathan David CYBULSKI
Assistant Lecturer (Programme Coordinator)
School of Biological Sciences

  • PhD in Ecology & Biodiversity, HKU; MPhil in Environmental Science, American University
  • Previously, the Earl S Tupper Postdoctoral Fellow at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama 
  • Affiliated Fellow at the Graduate School of Oceanography, The University of Rhode Island, USA, and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
  • A historical ecologist focused on understanding the human-environment interactions that have shaped our marine ecosystems; he uses a suite of ecological, geochemical, and palaeontological methods to effectively research and communicate the story of ecosystems through time

 

 

‘When I am not at work, I am probably weightlifting, which also relaxes my mind. Physical prowess is as important as mental, and strength was never a weakness. It also really helps with fieldwork!’

Professor Renhao DONG

 

Professor Renhao DONG
Associate Professor
Department of Chemistry

‘Material innovation is the key to a sustainable future for the human being.’
 

 

‘Outside of academia, I find joy in sports and travelling, particularly spending time with my family and friends.’
  • Postdoctoral fellow at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Mainz (MPIP-Mainz) and Technische Universität Dresden (TUD), PhD in Physical Chemistry, Shandong University (SDU); BSc in Chemistry, Shandong University
  • Previously led independent research groups at TUD and SDU, focusing on organic 2D materials
  • Recognised as a Highly Cited Researcher in 2022-2024
  • Research interests include MOFtronics, 2D polymers, COFs, interface assembly/synthesis, organic electronics, membrane separation and electrochemical energy

‘Do more with less.’

Professor Lexiao LAI


Professor Lexiao LAI
Assistant Professor 
Department of Mathematics

  • PhD in Operations Research from Columbia University; BSc in Mathematics from HKU
  • Joined HKU Science as his first academic position in July 2024, embarking on an exciting new chapter in his career
  • Specialises in continuous optimisation, focusing on nonconvex optimisation, first-order methods, and applied semialgebraic geometry, particularly in data science applications

‘I enjoy exploring the trails in Hong Kong. Hiking is like a real-life puzzle where you have to figure out the best path to take, balancing things like distance and difficulty. It is a lot like solving an optimisation problem, where you are always trying to find the most efficient way to get to your destination.’

Professor Andy LAM

 

Professor Andy LAM 
Assistant Professor
School of Biological Sciences

‘Understanding the molecules of life through their structures.’

‘I am fascinated by how the structure of biological molecules dictates their function. Using cutting-edge techniques like cryo-EM, we are beginning to uncover the intricate mechanisms that drive life at the molecular level, with the hope of contributing to advances in science and medicine.’
  • DPhil in Pharmacology from the University of Oxford
  • Formerly a postdoctoral fellow, then a senior scientist at the University of Zurich
  • Focuses on the structure and mechanism of membrane proteins and the development of novel therapeutics

‘Embrace curiosity with humility, for it leads to endless discovery and understanding.’

Dr Ada Cheuk Yan LEE


Dr Ada Cheuk Yan LEE
Assistant Lecturer
School of Biological Sciences

  • PhD in Biology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
  • Previously worked as a Scientific Officer at Hong Kong Baptist University
  • Specialises in Mangrove ecology


‘Beyond my passion for exploring nature though science, I also find joy and peace in immersing myself in the wild, music, and sketching.’

Professor Ai-Min LI

 

Professor Ai-Min LI
Assistant Professor
Department of Chemistry

‘If life is being-towards-death, I believe science is questing-towards-uncertainty.’
 
 
 

‘In my leisure time, I enjoy mountain climbing and visiting parks. These activities offer me a serene escape and a cherished connection with nature.’

  • PhD in Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany
  • Specialises in interdisciplinary areas, including organic and inorganic chemistry, material science, and electrochemical engineering
  • Focuses on applying chemical knowledge to tackle complex challenges in energy storage
  • Previously served as an Assistant Research Scientist in Professor Chunsheng WANG’s group at the University of Maryland, College Park, where he developed cutting-edge electrolytes using innovative chemistries to improve the energy density and safety of next-generation batteries

 

‘With curiosity, we could not only catalyse the conception of novel notions but also express a deeper appreciation for the beauty of life and nature.’

 

Dr Tin Lok LI


Dr Tin Lok LI
Assistant Lecturer
Department of Chemistry

  • PhD in Chemistry with Molecular Medicine Concentration from Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
  • Prior to joining HKU, he served as a lecturer at HKUST and worked as a postdoctoral research associate in the field of chemical pathology at The Chinese University of Hong Kong
  • Specialises in organic synthesis, medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, and molecular medicine; he is also passionate about tertiary education, particularly in general chemistry and chemistry-related disciplines



‘While I enjoy playing the piano and drawing, I am inspired by listening to music and appreciating artwork. Doing yoga and spending time with my cats also bring me a brighter day.’

Professor Nan LIU

 

Professor Nan LIU
Assistant Professor
School of Biological Sciences

‘Keep the pace in the lifelong scientific marathon.’
‘I love running and beer—especially enjoying a beer after a run! I have completed tons of marathons despite doctors telling me to avoid strenuous exercise due to a severe pneumothorax in the past. I find the marathons aren’t as tough as they warned…’
  • Earned both Bachelor and PhD degrees in Biology from Tsinghua University
  • Served as a postdoctoral fellow and Shuimu Tsinghua Scholar at the School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University
  • Specialises in structural biology, utilising cryogenic electron microscopy (Cryo-EM) technique to investigate the mechanisms of macromolecule
    assembly

 

‘Be all that you can be on your way to entrepreneurship.’

 

Dr Terry LO


Dr Terry LO
Professional Practitioner
Faculty of Science

  • PhD in Electronic Engineering, City University of Hong Kong; MPhil in Electronic Engineering, Chinese University of Hong Kong; Double BSc in Physics and Astronomy, University of Iowa, USA
  • Programme Director for Minor in Science Entrepreneurship, Faculty of Science
  • Formerly at HKUST’s Entrepreneurship Center, organising activities to nurture students and young professionals in entrepreneurship
  • Previously at Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, recruiting global tech companies in sectors like Consumer Electronics, IoT, and Semiconductors to build the local I&T community
  • Focuses on science entrepreneurship, innovation implementation, startup incubation, and building university entrepreneurship ecosystems
  • His teaching area includes Science Entrepreneurship Projects, innovation implementation and commercialisation, start-up incubation and building entrepreneurship ecosystem in the University and practical approach for entrepreneurship courses

 

 

 

 

‘I love hiking, camping, and star-gazing. Nature amazes me with its beauty and
holds endless treasures of knowledge waiting to be discovered.’

Professor Atsushi SUZUKI

 

Professor Atsushi SUZUKI
Assistant Professor
Department of Mathematics

‘There’s no such thing as a free lunch.’
 

‘I was asked to write “an interesting insight beyond the world of science, giving readers a glimpse into your multifaceted personality”, but I’ve decided to focus on things beyond the world of science only after I secure tenure!’

  • PhD in Information Science and Technology from the University of Tokyo
  • Before joining HKU, Atsushi was an Assistant Professor (UK Lecturer) in Machine Learning at King’s College London, focusing on topics such as calculus, algorithms, and computability theory
  • Passionate about exploring the diverse ways mathematics can provide insights, with a current focus on machine learning theory

 

‘I would consider my research a success if it can save one life during an extreme weather event.’

 

Professor Dazhi XI


Professor Dazhi XI
Assistant Professor
Department of Earth Sciences

  • PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Princeton University; BSc in Atmospheric Sciences from Nanjing University
  • Joined HKU Science as his first academic position, starting an exciting journey in climate research and education
  • Specialises in studying the impacts of climate change on extreme weather, particularly tropical cyclones, using physics-based models and statistical methods. His research focuses on climatology, risk estimation, and uncertainties in climate projections



‘Studying climate change is looking into the future for me, and when I look into the future, staying positive is the key. I enjoy sitcoms and stand-up comedy, as laughter is the best medicine.’

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