Yanyu joined the Zhu-Barker Lab in 2023 as a PhD student. He received his B.S. in Ecology from China Agricultural University and his M.S. in Geography from Peking University. Yanyu’s research focuses on the fate of nitrate in agroecosystems, with particular interest in the mechanisms of denitrification across soil profiles and seasons. Through the work, he aims to identify land management practices that enhance sustainability and reduce environmental nitrogen losses. When not in research mode, Yanyu enjoys exploring museums and national parks, playing video games, and cooking.