Entering ChinaThe Beijing Center for International Mathematical Studies (BICMR) of Peking University recently released a review of its work highlights in 2024, mentioning that scientist Professor Hu Yijuan has joined her Alma mater Peking University in July 2024
Yijuan Hu received her undergraduate degree in the School of Mathematical Sciences at Peking University and her doctorate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is a former professor at Emory University in the United States. In July 2024, Hu Yijuan joined the Beijing International Mathematical Research Center of Peking University. Her research focuses on the intersection of statistics, microbiology, and genetics, working to solve practical biomedical data analysis problems.
Hu Yijuan introduced that during her doctoral study, at the time of the rapid development of large-scale population cohort studies on the human genome, many statisticians were devoted to genetic statistical research. The United States has invested heavily in this field for more than a decade, and despite fruitful results, it has gradually found that the human genome alone cannot fully explain the causes of human characteristics and diseases.
Later, scientists became concerned that the human microbiome could be considered a “second genome,” opening new doors for the study of human disease and health. As a statistician, Yijuan Hu realized that microbiome data is more complex than human genome data and lacks corresponding statistical methods. In addition, the microbiome is more adjustable and can be applied more directly to disease intervention. These characteristics sparked her keen interest in microbiome and led her to devote herself to this emerging field.
Hu Yijuan said that the Beijing International Mathematical Research Center of Peking University is a very high platform and plays a leading role in math-related fields in the country. It is a great honor for her to work with so many famous mathematicians here. BICMR’s management philosophy is open and free, with few restrictions, and it is highly motivating.
Hu said that working at BICMR not only gives a great boost to research, but also gives her the pleasure of being involved in nurturing the best young talents in China. “Most importantly, Peking University is my Alma mater, and in my heart, it is the most beautiful campus. BICMR has a unique office environment and every time I am in it, I am fascinated by the classic beauty.”
Hu Yijuan also gave academic advice to the students. She points out that many math students tend to think of research as a mathematician working alone and being extremely abstract. In fact, as the branches of mathematics become more diverse, many applied fields need to be intermingled with other disciplines (e.g., medicine), which brings many interesting and down-to-earth elements (e.g., medical knowledge, physician collaborators). At the same time, many non-math skills are required, such as interpersonal skills, programming, reading and writing, and speaking skills. “For young scholars in the field of biostatistics, they can collaborate under the guidance of a mentor and try to put themselves in the role of a mentor by listening more, thinking more, asking more questions, so that they can learn and grow.”
