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. Wenyuan 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. Wenbo Wang 王文博
My name is Wenbo Wang, from Dunhuang, Gansu province and I am currently a doctoral candidate in the research group of Professor Yazhou Chen at HZAU. I obtained my Master’s degree in Forest Protection from NJFU in 2025. During my Master’s program, my research focused on the body-color plasticity of the cotton aphid (Aphis gossypii) and the dispersal mechanisms of its wingless morphs. For my doctoral research, I will continue to use the cotton aphid as my study subject, and I will extend my studies to investigate the aphid–cotton interaction system.
In my spare time from research, I enjoy watching movies, watching basketball games, and singing.
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. 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.
M.S. Xiwen Xu 徐熙文
Xiwen Xu, originally from Xinyang, Henan Province, is now a M.S student of Chen Lab, a research group of College of Plant Science of HZAU. He grew a strong passion of Life Science, typically plants and insects, which matches the current major he attended. What makes things different is that he is also capable of complex computer programming, including the current popular field Artificial Intelligence. With the foundation of both programming and agricultural science researching ability, he now helps the group by using state-of-art machine learning and AI features to optimize the study of antimicrobial peptides and lncRNA mining and generating.
Beyond academic research, he has a wide range of hobbies, mainly related to what he currently studies. Apart from that he is also fond of certain kind of arts and sports. Arts like digital 2D drawing and 3D modeling, and sports like lifting, jogging and hiking. He expects to gain inspiration for scientific research by doing what he likes to.
M.S. Wu Ying 吴盈
My name is Wu Ying, from Wuhan, Hubei Province. I am currently a master’s student at Huazhong Agricultural University (HZAU) in the field of Agricultural Entomology and Pest Control, enrolled in 2026. I also completed my undergraduate studies at HZAU.
During my undergraduate years, my thesis focused on gene cloning and functional validation of aphid-related genes, which provided me with solid training in molecular biology techniques and sparked my curiosity about the complex molecular mechanisms underlying insect–plant interactions. Now as a master’s student, I will continue to explore the interplay among insects, their genes, and functional proteins.
Beyond the lab, I enjoy reading, listening to music, and watching movies, and I truly value quiet, solitary moments.
M.S. Fengyi Liu 刘丰仪
Liu Fengyi joined Chen Lab in 2026 as a master’s student majoring in Resource Utilization and Plant Protection at Huazhong Agricultural University.
A native of Changsha, Hunan Province, he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Plant Protection from Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University. His undergraduate research focused on herbicide safety assessment for Coccinella septempunctata, covering toxicity bioassays, dose-response analysis, and ecological risk evaluation of herbicides to non-target beneficial insects, laying a solid practical foundation for his graduate studies.
In his spare time, he prioritizes physical health through regular fitness training and badminton, which keep him energetic and strike a balance between academic work and daily life.
M.S. Can Zhao 赵灿
Zhao Can, from Lu’an, Anhui Province, graduated from the College of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University in 2026. Her undergraduate thesis is entitled Design, Synthesis and Antifungal Activity Evaluation of Dimethylimide Derivatives Containing Norbornene Skeleton.
In her spare time, she enjoys watching dramas and listening to music. She is quite good at singing and is known as a “Chinese song encyclopedia” in KTV. She also likes running and other physical exercises that benefit physical and mental health.
Undergraduate (Year 2024)
Ismayil Memeti 伊斯马伊力·麦麦提
I am Ismayil, from Kashgar, Xinjiang. My two years of undergraduate study at Huazhong Agricultural University sparked a strong interest in insects. In September 2026, I joined Professor Yazhou Chen’s laboratory, where I began learning experimental techniques and expanding my knowledge of aphids. I hope to bring the knowledge I acquire back to my hometown and contribute to the development of local agriculture.
Undergraduate (Year 2024)
Ruofan Jia 贾若凡
Ruofan as born in Beijing in 2006. She is currently a sophomore undergraduate student of the Class of 2024 at Huazhong Agricultural University. Her major research interests focus on aphid-plant interactions and the green prevention and control of agricultural insect pests. She is devoted to exploring eco-friendly and sustainable pest management strategies, rather than relying solely on traditional chemical control methods. In her sophomore year, she won the First Prize in the Hubei Provincial College Student Plant Diseases and Pests Identification and Diagnosis Knowledge Competition.
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 (Now Lecturer at Yangtze University)
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
Dong Wen
文栋
Ph.D: 2020-2025 (Now Assistant Professor at Yangtze University)
Yishuo Kou
寇益硕
M.S.: 2023-2026
Zhicheng Zhang
张智程
M.S.: 2023-2026