We’re excited to welcome Dr. Yong Ding to BPI this summer as part of a two-month research exchange!
Yong earned her PhD in Wood Materials Science from ETH Zurich in 2023, where she focused on creating functionalized wood materials. She now leads the "Wood for Smart Buildings" and "Wood for Carbon Storage" research streams at ETH Zurich’s Wood Materials group, driving innovation in carbon-negative and energy-efficient building solutions. Her work explores the untapped potential of wood as a high-performance, sustainable material for the built environment.
While at BPI, Dr. Ding will collaborate with the Biobased Colloids & Materials Group led by Dr. Orlando Rojas, advancing research at the intersection of material science and sustainability.
To help you get to know Yong beyond the lab, we asked her some fun and personal trivia questions…
- I grew up…in the city of Suzhou, China—where classical gardens meet modern life—in a family of three, surrounded by beauty, boats, and steamed buns!
- When I was a kid…I was extremely active and adventurous—always running around, building things, or trying to figure out how the world works.
- At school…I was curious about everything, especially science. I once asked so many questions that my teacher kindly suggested I save some for the following week.
- I enjoy…long walks in nature, sketching ideas in my notebook, and discovering cozy coffee spots with good playlists.
- The best meal…is always cooked by someone who loves me—comfort food just tastes better when it’s made with heart.
- My favourite beverage…Beer, definitely—especially after a long hike or during a chat with good friends.
- Friends know me…as a powerful woman with an interesting soul—someone who’s thoughtful, determined, and slightly obsessed with cats.
- I’m reading…books on ancient Chinese philosophy, like the Tao Te Ching. It’s amazing how words from thousands of years ago still offer insight in today’s fast-paced world.
- Important words…“Stay curious. Stay kind.” That combination rarely steers me wrong.
- I’m at my best…when I’m deep in creative work—fully immersed in building an idea from scratch.
- I’m at my worst…when I haven’t had my morning coffee.
- The best gift I ever received…is life itself—an open journey full of possibilities.
- The most useless talent I have…I somehow always lose at rock-paper-scissors. It’s a curse.
- My favourite music…varies by mood—lofi pop for focus and walks, and quick-beat 90s hits for housework and spontaneous dancing.
- My hero…is my parents, who taught me strength, resilience, and how to stay positive through hard times.
- On my days off…you’ll likely find me exploring a new neighborhood, sketching designs, or handcrafting the next generation of a cat ladder.
- If I wasn’t working at UBC…I might be in Thailand, volunteering at an elephant sanctuary.
- In this position I’m excited…to collaborate with inspiring minds at BPI and explore how nature-based materials can shape a more sustainable future.
- I’ll know we are successful when…scientists, society, businesses, and policymakers are working hand in hand to build a thriving bioeconomy.
- Someday…I hope we’ll live and work in buildings that are not only beautiful, but also in harmony with the environment.
Welcome to BPI, Yong!
