Meet Zhou Fang applying mathematical theory to help tame cell behaviour
The Chinese mathematician joined the Control Theory and Systems Biology Lab of Professor Mustafa Khammash to develop algorithms that describe the control mechanisms of processes within cells. Zhou appreciates having lunch at the Chinese restaurant near the office and looks forward to watching European soccer games without staying awake all night for the time difference.
What did you know about D-BSSE before you came here, and what was your motivation to come to ETH Zurich?
I knew about ETH Zurich long before I came here because of its global reputation. Also, I learned that researchers of D-BSSE conduct leading-edge biological research by applying multi-disciplinary approaches. As a newly graduated PhD in math, I hope to receive good academic training in applying math to life sciences and, more importantly, establish theories that can truly advance biological studies. After talking with Professor Khammash and his group members during the interview, I was pretty sure, D-BSSE is the very place to go.
What were your expectations and were your expectations met since you arrived in Basel?
I expected a pleasant, collaborative and dynamic environment at D-BSSE and a nice (non-polluted) environment in Basel. Yes, all of my expectations are fully met. Actually, there are many things far beyond my expectations, such as warm-hearted colleagues, the convenient public transportation system, and a nice Chinese restaurant near D-BSSE.
What were your first impressions?
I find people in Switzerland (not only Swiss) are very kind and friendly. Particularly, I would like to acknowledge the administrative staff members at the department for their great help with my visa application. (The application procedure for non-EU/EFTA citizens is a great pain.) When I arrived, I was warmly welcomed by Professor Khammash and his group. My group mates also gave me a nice lab tour introducing every advanced instrument in the lab, which excited me (a mathematician) very much. My daily life outside work is a little bit tough due to the language issue. The good thing is that people are very willing to provide help, and, in most cases, problems can be solved with body language.
Which research will you pursue at D-BSSE?
In Professor Mustafa Khammash’s group, I will develop theories and algorithms to estimate cellular states based on systems’ readouts. I hope this work can help researchers to better understand the inner workings of living cells.
Which hobby or private interests do you hope to pursue in Switzerland?
Hiking and swimming are two of my favourite activities during which I can enjoy the beauty of nature. Doubtless, Switzerland is an ideal place for both. I look forward to joining my group mates for a swim in the Rhine river next summer. Also, I love watching soccer games very much. Living in Europe means that I no longer need to stay up all night for a European soccer game.
Thank you, Zhou Fang, and good luck with your research!
Zhou Fang received his bachelor’s degree and PhD in mathematics from Zhejiang University, China, in 2014 and 2019, respectively. Under the supervision of Chuanhou Gao, Zhou’s PhD focuses on explaining emergent behaviours of chemical reaction network systems through mathematical systems theory and statistical mechanics. During this time, Zhou visited the University of Groningen in The Netherlands, and the Harvard and Carnegie Mellon Universities in the United States to conduct his research under the supervision of expert scientists there. Since November 2019, he is a postdoc in the Control Theory and Systems Biology Lab of Professor Mustafa Khammash.