Siyu Chen

Postdoctoral Researcher, Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Selforganization, and The Technical University of Munich

Currently based in: Munich, Germany

DPhil Physical and Theoretical Chemistry (2015)

Talk to me about: Research, Academia, Coaching, Project Management, Transitioning to another field, Working in Germany

Siyu Chen is a postdoc researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization. Currently he is mainly based at the Physics Department for Technische Universität München as a guest researcher. His current research interest is all about a certain slim-mode, namely Physarum Polycephalum. Combining his knowledge of microscopy, light patterning, cell-biology and soft-bio-matter, Siyu is trying to pursue the physics of decision making in simple life forms.

Siyu earned his D.Phil in Physical and Theoretical Chemistry at St Cross from 2015 to 2019. Before that, he obtained his Bachelor of Science in a special Chemistry-Biology combined major program from Osaka University, Japan.

During his time at St Cross, he was a member of the Student Representative Committee (SRC). In college he also had other hats such as peer supporter and junior advisor. Outside of college, he also enjoyed his time in Oxford in interesting projects such as the Researcher Strategy Consultancy programme as well as in other voluntary activities including outreaching, green impact, and served as VP of the Oxford Chinese Students & Scholars Association.

Advice to St Cross students: Apart from our prestigious lunch, our common room is also among the best. With comfort couches and sometimes tea and cakes, and without the separation of fellows and students, we always attract a good number of people hanging out there. Invest some time there, you will be rewarded with nice surprises.

If you would like to be put in touch with Siyu, please contact Annabelle at development@stx.ox.ac.uk