Yunqian Zhang

Yunqian Zhang

Undergraduate Student

Beijing Normal University | UC Berkeley | MIT

📧 yunqianz@mail.bnu.edu.cn

Education

Beijing Normal University

09/2022 - 07/2026 (Expected)

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science

School of Environment, Beijing, China

• GPA: 3.87/4.00

• TOEFL: 108

University of California, Berkeley

09/2024 - 05/2025

Exchange Student

Berkeley Global Access Program

• GPA: 4.0/4.0

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

06/2024 - 08/2024 & 07/2025 - 09/2025 (Expected)

Visiting Student

Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences (EAPS)

Summer research in Prof. Edward A. Boyle's group

Research Experience

Determination of Vertical Distribution and Isotopic Ratio of Trace Element Cr in the Pacific Ocean

Prof. Edward A. Boyle's Group, MIT EAPS

06/2024 - Present

  • Conducted experiments including seawater samples acidification and equilibration
  • Performed Cr precipitation/dissolution with Mg(OH)₂ and ion exchange purification
  • Executed sulfur removal and sample preparation for MC-ICP-MS isotopic analysis

Remote Sensing Analysis of Policy-Driven Methane Emission Reduction in Rice Cultivation Systems

Prof. Charles Taylor's Group, Harvard Kennedy School

12/2024 - Present

  • Developed machine learning algorithms to process GEE remote sensing data, generating monthly time series of LSWI, NDVI, and land-use indicators (2008-2024)
  • Created high-resolution spatiotemporal maps distinguishing non-cropped areas, dry-rice, and wet-rice cultivation systems
  • Quantified the impact of agricultural policy interventions on methane emissions through cultivation practice transitions
  • Established statistical models linking land-use changes to methane emission patterns for climate mitigation strategies

LiDAR-Augmented Zero-Shot Tree Crown Segmentation Using SAM 2

Prof. Lu Liang's Group, UC Berkeley CED

08/2024 - 02/2025

  • Enhanced tree crown delineation using SAM 2 with RGB and LiDAR data fusion
  • Combined bounding boxes and LiDAR point prompts with noise reduction via sampling
  • Demonstrated that LiDAR boosts precision and recall, with manual prompts performing best
  • Showed SAM 2's potential for efficient ITC segmentation in complex forests
  • Paper written and submitted to journals

Local Climate Zone (LCZ) and Urban Morphology Analysis of U.S. Cities

Prof. Lu Liang's Group, UC Berkeley CED

08/2024 - Present

  • Developed machine learning model generating LCZ distribution maps for 20+ U.S. cities
  • Engineered automated pipeline processing 500,000+ Google Street View images via Google Maps API
  • Implemented computer vision techniques to quantify urban canyon characteristics including SVF, vegetation cover, and building proportions
  • Validated Street View-derived SVF metrics against LiDAR point cloud data
  • Integrated multi-source climate data to analyze correlations with LCZ classifications

Global Dust Emission Dynamics Under Climate Change and Land Use Management

Prof. Minghao Qiu's Group, Stony Brook University

05/2025 - Present

  • Analyzed global dust emissions using CAMS global reanalysis (EAC4) satellite data (2003-2020)
  • Identified spatial distribution patterns, seasonal variations, and long-term trends of Dust Aerosol Optical Depth (DAOD)
  • Integrated CAMS meteorological data with MODIS satellite vegetation and geographical datasets
  • Will conduct comprehensive impact factor analysis including vegetation restoration and climate variables
  • Will evaluate combined effects of climate change and land use management on global dust activity

Spatio-Temporal Optimization Modeling for National Photovoltaic Infrastructure Deployment

Prof. Xin Tian's Group, Beijing Normal University

06/2025 - Present

  • Developed multi-period dynamic optimization model for PV deployment strategy across China over 50-year horizon
  • Integrated diverse multi-source datasets (GIS, meteorological, economic) to quantify comprehensive cost functions
  • Utilized Python for spatio-temporal data analysis establishing constraints for provincial land availability
  • Employed CatBoost machine learning models for robust data imputation and time-series forecasting

Ecological Surprises and Bioremediation Potential of Oil Pollution in Coastal Ecosystems: A Review

Prof. Hongjun Bai's Group, Beijing Normal University

05/2024 - 01/2025

  • Reviewed bioremediation methods for PHC contamination in coastal ecosystems
  • Focused on mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrasses ecosystems
  • Discussed phytoremediation, microbial remediation, and nanotechnology approaches
  • Highlighted omics, engineered microbes, and real-time monitoring systems
  • Explored issues like salinity, low oxygen, and nutrient limitations
  • Paper submitted to Earth-Science Reviews

Chinese Digital Technology Industry's Role in Low Carbon Development

Prof. Xin Tian's Group, Beijing Normal University

08/2023 - 12/2023

  • Applied Leontief input-output model to analyze carbon emission patterns in ICT sector
  • Evaluated impact of demand structure through backward and forward linkage analyses
  • Conducted Structural Path Analysis (SPA) and Structural Decomposition Analysis (SDA)
  • Co-authored 47-page policy report funded by China Mobile Corporation

Spatial Distribution and Risks of Bisphenol Analogues in Chengdu Soil

Prof. Zhi Li's Group, Sichuan University

02/2023 - 02/2024

  • Explored distribution of Bisphenol Compounds (BPs) using post-extraction spike method
  • Analyzed 376 dust samples using normality tests, correlation analysis, and Mann-Whitney U tests
  • Assessed effects on people across various occupations and regions
  • Published in Environment Pollution (DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124064)

Heavy Metal Immobilization and Carbon Sequestration in Biochar-Amended Soils

Prof. Ke Sun's Group, Beijing Normal University

12/2023 - Present

  • Study 1: Polyethylene microplastics effects on biochar greenhouse gas mitigation
  • Published in Carbon Research (DOI: 10.1007/s44246-024-00170-9)
  • Study 2: Coupling index of heavy metal immobilization and carbon sequestration
  • Quantified 14-year field experiment effects using DGT and BCR sequential extraction
  • Developed PLS-SEM and VPA models to identify metal immobilization pathways
  • Co-developed novel Carbon-Metal Coupling Index (CMCI) using entropy weight method
  • Paper submitted to Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment

Analysis of Scale Characteristics in Dormitory Buildings and Descaling Agent Development

Prof. Chenghong Feng's Group, Beijing Normal University

04/2023 - 05/2024

  • Utilized ICPOES, IC, FTIR, SEM spectrum analysis to analyze pipe scale structure and composition
  • Designed control experiments and developed green, efficient descaling agent formula
  • Solved long-standing pipe blockage issues with minimal harm to PVC pipes
  • Applied for patent for the developed formula

Publications

Peer-Reviewed Publications

Published Papers

  • Spatial distribution, source identification, and potential risks of 14 bisphenol analogues in soil from different functional zones in Chengdu, China Published
    Environment Pollution, 2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124064
  • Polyethylene microplastics hamper aged biochar's potential in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions Published
    Carbon Research, 2024. DOI: 10.1007/s44246-024-00170-9

Manuscripts Under Review

Submitted Papers

  • Ecological surprises and bioremediation potential of oil pollution in coastal ecosystems: A review
    Submitted to Earth-Science Reviews, January 2025
  • Coupling index of heavy metal immobilization and carbon sequestration reveals superior long-term performance of high-dosage biochar
    Submitted to Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment, December 2024
  • LiDAR-Augmented Zero-Shot Tree Crown Segmentation Using SAM 2
    Submitted for publication, 2025

Technical Skills & Interests

Programming Languages

Python, R, C/C++, Java

Geospatial & Data Analysis

Google Earth Engine (GEE), ArcGIS Pro, QGIS, Remote Sensing, LiDAR Processing, MATLAB, Excel

Languages

Chinese (Native), English (Fluent - TOEFL 108)

Arts & Music

Flute (School Orchestra), Singing
Won Best Instrumental Performance for "West Side Story" at 2022 Beijing University Music Festival

Honors & Awards

Conference Presentations & Volunteer Experience

NSF NCAR Research Symposium

Boulder, CO, USA

June 2025

  • Poster Presentation: "Nationwide Calibration of PurpleAir Temperature Sensors for Heat Exposure Research"
  • Presented at Human and Geographic Dimensions of Extreme Heat and Heat Risk symposium

Climate Education Outreach

Hong Kong, China

November 2023

  • Assisted Prof. Xin Tian in delivering educational talk on greenhouse effect, natural disasters, and extreme weather
  • Engaged with elementary school students on emission reduction strategies

Research Team Leader - Rural Development Study

Dali, Yunnan Province

Summer 2023

  • Led interdisciplinary team of 12 students from BNU investigating sustainable agricultural practices
  • Conducted field research on local cultivation techniques, recycling technology, and culture
  • Received "Innovation Research Report" award in 2023 Inspiration Plan College Student Social Research Public Welfare Project
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