Avian migration · quantitative ecology · data science
Bird migration across space and time Yangkang Chen · 陈旸康
I am a PhD student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign studying how migratory birds move, associate, and evolve across broad spatial and temporal scales using large biodiversity datasets, statistical modeling, and machine learning.
A current member of Van Doren Lab.
Beyond research
I enjoy backpacking and hiking, especially on high-altitude plateaus in western China, including the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP), where I spent time as an undergraduate at Sichuan University. During my master's studies in Beijing, I enjoyed watching stand-up comedy, playing guitar, going to live band performances, reading short novels, and sitting by the window of a cafe on a random weekend afternoon, thunderstorm outside, latte beside me, starting to code. You may also find me skipping work to go birding in Olympic Park.
I believe in fairness, equity, justice, and respect for each person's identity and dignity. I also respect the cultural values and identities people hold from their own backgrounds. I stand with those facing discrimination and unjust treatment.
