Lan-Nhi Phung
Postdoctoral Research Associate, The A. Uy Lab
You work in a laboratory. What are you currently researching?
I study the evolution of bowerbirds by trying to understand their sexual selection mechanisms. Male bowerbirds are elaborative in their strategy to attract mates such as building intricate decorative structures, singing songs, and having beautiful plumages, and I want to understand how those behaviors were selected for in nature.
What was it that originally sparked your interest in biology?
I was a curious child and so I loved reading fun facts growing up; I have always wanted to understand the world around me. Biology was my favorite subject in school because of the expansive amount of knowledge it offers; I can always learn new things even if I start with simple questions.
What advice would you give to prospective students looking to study in our department?
I would say that prospective students should be open minded about choosing their topic of research, as I feel that many established labs here are open to new ideas that might lead to unexpected but exciting directions.
How do you think our biology department stands out in comparison to other universities?
I believe the research foci in our department are very unique and our researchers collectively have a deep understanding of their subjects while being highly collaborative, which provides a great environment for new ideas and creativity in research.
How do you unwind when you’re not in the lab?
I enjoy knitting, baking, and reading during my free time!