CHEN LAB
Postdoctoral fellow Qiangyan Zhang 张强艳博士后
Qiangyan, from Wen County, Gansu, received her Ph.D. in Crop Protection from Gansu Agricultural University in 2025. Her doctoral research focused on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) of crop pests, particularly the functional roles of ecdysone-related genes in Spodoptera frugiperda, providing new insights for pest control strategies.
She is currently a member of the Chen Lab, where she studies the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) and investigates antimicrobial peptides with potential applications in agriculture. Her work connects fundamental research with practical innovations for sustainable development. Outside the lab, Qiangyan enjoys running, which she finds helps sharpen focus and sustain research productivity.
Ph.D. Dong Wen 文栋
Dong Wen is from Wuhan, a vibrant city known for its rich history and delicious cuisine. He enjoys singing and cycling, activities that help him relax and stay energized.
He began his Ph.D. journey in 2020, focusing on the intricate interactions between the brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens, BPH) and rice plants. His research led to an exciting discovery: BPH secretes various RNAs into rice plants, which suppress plant defenses and facilitate colonization. This finding sheds new light on the complex relationship between pests and their host plants.
In addition, he investigated the regulatory mechanisms behind wing dimorphism in BPH. Through RNAi experiments, he identified several key genes involved in wing development, contributing to a deeper understanding of how these insects adapt to different environments. Passionate about advancing knowledge in this field, he is dedicated to exploring innovative strategies for protecting crops from devastating pests.
Ph.D. Wenyun Yu 余文远
Wenyuan earned his bachelor’s degree from Shanxi Agricultural University in 2018 and his master’s degree from Northwest A&F University in 2021. As an undergraduate, he conducted toxicological research on the effects of pesticides on both natural enemy insects and agricultural pests. During his graduate studies, he focused on the stress physiology of beneficial insects under adverse environmental conditions.
Currently a researcher in the Chen Lab, Wenyuan investigates the role of post-transcriptional modification mechanisms in Myzus persicae‘s adaptation to natural and synthetic compounds. His work aims to shed light on the extraordinary adaptive capabilities of this “generalist feeder.” Outside of academia, he enjoys meditation and fitness training.
Ph.D. Shan Jiang 姜珊
My name is Jiang Shan, a doctoral candidate at Huazhong Agricultural University (HZAU), enrolled in 2022. I am from Qingdao, Shandong Province, and have developed a strong passion for plant science throughout my academic journey.
As a Ph.D. candidate, my research examines how cross-kingdom long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) from aphids manipulate host plant defenses to facilitate parasitism. This work bridges molecular entomology and plant-pathogen interactions, aiming to uncover new pest control targets.
Beyond the lab, I enjoy assembling 3D puzzles and scale models, refining my patience and attention to detail. My long-term goal is to explore RNA-mediated cross-species communication in agriculture and contribute to developing RNA-based biopesticides for sustainable crop protection.
Ph.D. Rong Hu 胡蓉
Rong Hu, a Ph.D. student in the Chen Lab, studies wing dimorphism in aphids. She enjoys traveling, swimming, crafting, and practicing moxibustion, a traditional Chinese medical therapy. Her previous research focused on the horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of carotenogenic genes in aphids. At the 27th International Congress of Entomology (ICE2024 Kyoto), she presented her work and received the Presentation Award for Women Scientists. She also served as the chair of an ad hoc symposium under the Genetics and Genomics session during the congress.
Since wing formation drives large-scale aphid migration and infestation, understanding its underlying mechanisms is crucial for effective pest control. In the future, we aim to explore the factors influencing aphid wing dimorphism, including plant induction, population density, and maternal inheritance.
Ph.D. Guotong Sun孙国通
Guotong Sun, from Heze, Shandong Province, earned his master’s degree from Northeast Forestry University in 2025. His graduate research examined how heavy metal transport along the food chain influences pest biological control. Specifically, he investigated how heavy metal exposure affects the performance of natural enemy insects through oxidative damage and energy metabolism, and also evaluated the biocontrol potential of Beauveria bassiana and Bacillus thuringiensis.
In 2025, he joined Professor Chen’s lab as a doctoral student. His current research focuses on the stability of cross-kingdom RNA in different maize strains, with the goal of assessing its potential as a novel molecular marker for strain identification and simplifying conventional screening approaches. He also applies molecular biology techniques to uncover the mechanisms underlying this stability model.
M.S. Yishuo Kou 寇益硕
My name is yishuo Kou, coming from Kaifeng City, Henan Province. In 2023, I graduated from Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, then attended Huazhong Agricultural University for Master.
My primary research focus lies in elucidating the molecular mechanisms through which effector proteins from Schlechtendalia chinensis (Chinese sumac aphid) modulate aphid-plant interactions. This investigation employs cutting-edge molecular biology techniques to unravel the complex interplay between phytophagous insects and their host plants.
Beyond academic pursuits, I cultivate a balanced lifestyle through regular engagement in athletic and artistic endeavors. My extracurricular passions include competitive tennis participation and vocal performance refinement, activities that enhance both physical vitality and creative expression.
M.S. Zhicheng Zhang 张智程
Zhicheng, originally from Jilin City, Jilin Province, earned his bachelor’s degree in Tobacco Science from Yunnan Agricultural University in 2023. That same year, he joined the master’s program in Agriculture and Entomology at Huazhong Agricultural University. His research focuses on how cross-kingdom lncRNA in maize aphids influences their colonization process on maize.
In his spare time, Zhicheng enjoys hiking and photography. His motto is: “Life requires patience and reflection; savoring setbacks is a form of enjoyment.”
M.S. Yeqi Zhu 朱叶琪
Yeqi Zhu, born in Chizhou City, Anhui Province, earned her Bachelor of Agronomy degree in 2024 from the College of Plant Protection at Anhui Agricultural University. During her undergraduate studies, she completed a three-month internship in 2023 at the Tea Research Institute of the Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences. In 2024, she joined the Agricultural Entomology and Pest Control program at Huazhong Agricultural University and is currently a graduate researcher in the Chen Lab.
Outside of academia, she enjoys outdoor activities with friends.
M.S. Zhichao 胡志超
Zhichao Hu earned his bachelor’s degree in Tobacco Science from Yunnan Agricultural University in 2024. In September 2024, he joined the College of Plant Science and Technology at Huazhong Agricultural University to pursue graduate studies in Resource Utilization and Plant Protection. Before joining the lab, his research focused on tobacco cultivation, pest and disease control, and tobacco curing. From 2024 to 2027, he will study plant-insect interactions as part of his graduate research.
M.S. Peiyu Yang 杨培宇
Graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Plant Protection from Huazhong Agricultural University. During his undergraduate studies, he completed an internship at the Fruit Tree and Tea Research Institute of the Hubei Provincial Academy of Agricultural Sciences. With a solid foundation in biology and a keen sense of curiosity, he is currently researching the identification of cross-kingdom RNAs in aphids, a topic of significant importance for understanding plant-pest interactions. Outside of academics, he is passionate about physical exercise. The email address is [email protected].
M.S. Chi Liu 刘驰
Chi Liu, from Mudanjiang—renowned as the Snow City—has harbored a profound love for nature and a fascination with insects since childhood. This passion guided her to pursue a degree in Plant Protection at university. In 2024, she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Plant Protection from Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University. That same year, in July, she joined Chen Lab, where she began delving into molecular biology techniques and expanding her knowledge in the field. Over the next three years, Chi Liu will focus her studies and research on the intricate dynamics of plant-insect interactions. In her spare time, she enjoys drawing and watching anime, activities that not only provide relaxation but also serve as a source of inspiration for her work.
M.S. Yayu Yang 杨亚宇
Yayu Yang, from Shangqiu, Henan Province, earned his Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture from the College of Agriculture at Henan University of Science and Technology. His undergraduate studies fostered an appreciation for cognitive development and technical learning, while also sparking his interest in entomology and providing a solid foundation in the field. In 2025, he joined Professor Yazhou Chen’s laboratory at Huazhong Agricultural University as a graduate student.
M.S. Mingyu He 何铭宇
Mingyu He, born in Zhengzhou, earned his Bachelor of Agronomy degree from the College of Agriculture at Henan Institute of Science and Technology. As an undergraduate, he gained extensive hands-on experience through projects such as soil sample preparation for the Third National Soil Census and field experiments on corn–soybean intercropping. These experiences allowed him to master laboratory instrumentation, strengthen analytical and problem-solving skills, and develop strong collaborative abilities.
Motivated by a deep interest in entomology, Mingyu entered the Agricultural Entomology and Pest Control program at Huazhong Agricultural University in 2025 and is currently a graduate researcher in the Chen Lab. Beyond academia, he enjoys a variety of sports, including basketball and football, as well as individual fitness activities. These interests foster teamwork, discipline, and balance, complementing his scientific pursuits.
ALUMNI
Yangzhi Zhang
张阳芷
M.S. 2021-2024
Yu Wang
王瑜
M.S. 2021-2024
Fuwei Wan
万富伟
M.S. 2021-2024
Jingmiao Zou
邹劲苗
M.S. 2022-2024
Xin Yang
杨欣
M.S. 2022-2024
Pengshuai Peng
彭鹏帅
M.S. 2021-2023
Rui Li
李蕊
M.S. 2021-2023
Xuemei Zhang
张雪梅
Visiting student: 2022-2023
Jun Wu
吴君
Postdoc: 2022-2025
Tingfen He
何婷芬
M.S.: 2022-2025
Zhimou Lin
林志谋
M.S.: 2022-2025