Member Spotlight: Meet Liyun Ye

Member Spotlight is a regular INFORM magazine column that features members who play critical roles in AOCS.

Liyun Ye
Liyun Ye on a hiking/biking holiday in Île de Groix, France.
Fast Facts
Name Liyun Ye
Joined AOCS 2015
Education Ph.D. in 2015 from Virginia Tech (Blacksburg, Virginia, USA)
Job title Senior scientist
Employer Finless Foods, Inc. (Emeryville, California, USA)
AOCS involvement Chaired three sessions on lipid oxidation and quality in 2021; organized one session in 2022

Professional

What’s a typical day like for you?

I start my day with a short exercise session, a big breakfast, and a coffee. Usually, there are a few Zoom meetings, some chat with my parents in Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province, China, in the evening, usually during my drive home or during a walk in the park.

My favorite part of my job is…

Getting to work with everyone on the research and development team. They are all experts in their own areas of specialization, and they complement and support each other. They are also very fun people, making me want to go to work and see them.

Flash back to when you were 10 years old. What did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a biologist or naturalist. Books about Charles Darwin, his theories of evolution, and all the amazing creatures he described had a major impact on me.

Why did you decide to do the work you are doing now?

The burgeoning cellular agriculture area has a great mission that matches well with my personal vision and goals.

What event, person, or life experience has had the most influence on the direction of your life?

Sean O’Keefe, my master’s and Ph.D. mentor at Virginia Tech, has had the most influence on my life. I would not be here without him. He is always supportive and inspiring to me any place, any time. He is an amazing person and wonderful mentor who is generous, forgiving, fair, knowledgeable, and lighthearted. Without him, I would not be where I am in either my personal life or career life.

Personal

How do you relax after a hard day of work?

I like the Les Mills Bodypump workout.

What is the most impressive thing you know how to do?

I know how to ride a motorcycle.

What skill would you like to master?

Communication skills, to be able to express myself better.

What are some small things that make your day better?

Grabbing a coffee or having a walk with a colleague as a work break; spontaneous new adventures (e.g., suddenly decide to explore a new dance bar with colleagues).

What are you looking forward to in the coming months or years?

A good recovery from the pandemic with a safe opening of borders so that families and friends can reunite, in addition to increased growth of the cellular agriculture sector as well as public awareness of the impact humans have on the earth.

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