We congratulate Jingyao Niu

Who are you? Could you give a short presentation of yourself and your research area?

'Hi, I am Yao. I see myself as an evolutionary biologist with a solid background in ecology. I recently defended my PhD thesis, which focuses on the effects of warming waters on wild fish populations ‒ specifically, how fish adapt and evolve in response to temperature increases at a whole-ecosystem level, as well as the secondary effects of those changes. I am broadly interested in how aquatic animals respond to changes in their environment.'

How does your research align with the One Health concept, and in what ways can it contribute to a more sustainable and socially impactful world?

'My research aids in the fundamental understanding and development of knowledge regarding future scenarios associated with climate change, which is essential for maintaining a sustainable ecosystem. By focusing on an imminent issue ‒ warming ‒ that affects all living organisms, including animals and humans on Earth, my research can stimulate climate action among various parties, including research institutes, and stakeholders, regarding food security, and conservation of aquatic habitats. The involved topics are very close to people’s hearts and highlight the importance of interdisciplinary collaborations and studies in ecology and evolution.'

What are your plans now after your PhD?

'I am currently working on wrapping up the remaining chapters of my thesis with the goal to publish them. In terms of my position, I have started to apply for postdoctoral fellowships; in short, I plan to continue my career in academia. And I will continue to pay close attention to climate research.'

We wish Jingyao the best of luck in her future career! 

Links:

Multi-decadal warming alters predator’s effect on prey community composition

Decades of warming alters maturation and reproductive investment in fish

Perch in a heated ecosystem reveal how climate change can shape fish evolution