Currently, I am an international student studying computer science at the University of Minnesota. I am a student researcher both at GroupLens and mathematical biology. My major research topics are in social computing and metabolic modeling. I would be happy to share all the cool things I am doing there with you.

If you are interested, here is more information about our group:
http://grouplens.org/

I come from a big city in China where is known for the spicy food, mahjong and the giant Panda. I never find it surprising how the rich culture there influences my objective and attitude towards my life. I embrace both diversity and changes. The dynamics excites me and drives me for explorations.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I remember the very suggestion about travelling I got from a good friend is to blend in. Every city, every site has their own personality where you would not get a chance to know unless you get close to them. Once when I traveled to New Orleans, I got lost in the local neighborhood after I got off the bus. ( Indeed, I was there for an authentic Cajun takeaway that I heard from the hotel's doorman.) Yet, I was not able to get a taxi because they only line up in the downtown area where all travelers stay. So I literally knocked on a lady's car window in the middle of the traffic light and asked her to drive me to the deli. Not surprisingly, we had a great conversation about things I almost could not remember. She refused to take my gift card offer while I did not have cash with me.( And I doubt she would take that either.) So it ends up I bought her 6-pound seafood feast and we enjoyed a great picnic near the beach. Of course, she drove me back to my hotel, as well. So every now and then, when people ask me how do you feel like New Orleans? I would probably not repeat them the cliche phrases you would read hundreds of times on every tourism brochure.

Interests

I am passionate about life. So I would love to try out all kinds of activities. Generally, I enjoy reading, cooking, animals, live concerts, music hunting, making handcrafts, photography, poker,jogging, adventures, building cool things and having conversations with people.

• animals
• culture
• books
• photography
• concerts
• dining
• seafood
• cooking
• picnic
• japanese food
• modeling
• reading
• traveling
• pottery
• poker
• music
• hunting
• biology
• computer science
• logic
• science
• tourism
• beaches

Music, Movies, and Books

My test is very mixed. Music wise, I am a classicly trained violinist and Hilary Hanhan is my all time idol. But I am also a huge fan of jazz, indie and electronics. Stop-motion animation / animation is my thing, "Mary and Max". So as BBC's history series. Book wise, I am always open for suggestion. Share me your reading list, please.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I hugged and fed baby Pandas.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Fuzzy logic, that is the new term I recently tagged myself. I would love to tell you interesting stories about the amazing life I have enjoyed from travel, music, book, research and whatever you found fascinated. Realistically, I could also teach you how to cook authentic Szechuan or Japanese food. There are some great recipe websites in Chinese / Japanese I can help translate. Or maybe sewing or making ceramics if you are interested.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Nepal, Netherlands, Thailand, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

China, United States