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Experience Map - Zhijie "Jack" Tseng
Zhijie Tseng (IEB PhD Candidate, 2005~Present)
Musician. Educator. Cyclist. Explorer.
Exploration of the inner self and the outer world
I spend every summer doing field research on the Tibetan Plateau and the Mongolian grasslands. I became interested in field research and paleontology during my sophomore year in college, after switching from computer science to biology. I have since found my calling on the wild terrains of Asia and the scientific treasure that lie within them.
Music, more than a feeling
I became heavily involved in music after signing up for the high school band by mistake. I have since performed on the piano, flute, tenor saxophone, trombone, guitar, and drums. Even though opposition in my family diverted me from music school, I still find myself creating music and making it a therapeutic tool in my stressful schedule.
Riding towards a greener future in Los Angeles
Coming from the bike-friendly city of Berkeley, I initially found it almost impossible to commute on my bicycle in the automotive town of Los Angeles. After connecting with other progressive-minded riders through the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition, I have made it a duty to keep the commuting cyclist’s presence on the road.
Dreams escaped from the Oakland Zoo
My current research specialization on hyenas stemmed from my two-month internship at the Oakland Zoo in northern California. There I was put in charge of animal care in the African Mammals section, which includes meerkats, vervet monkeys, warthogs, and of course spotted hyenas. Through caring for the hyenas I saw their beauty and strength, and learned about their interesting evolutionary history.
Science education at the Natural History Museum
I became a graduate student in residence at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County shortly after entering graduate school at the University of Southern California in 2005. This association provided me with ample opportunity to interact with the public, and practice the presentation of our science in an accessible manner. I have been deeply touched by the dedication of public educators, and the talents in our young people. We build the foundations on our society on the education of our future generations.
A tale of three cities
A native of Taipei, Taiwan, I spent the first twelve years of my life on the subtropical island. The next thirteen years were spent mostly in San Jose, California and other cities in the golden state when my family immigrated there. I am currently spending an entire year in yet a third city, Beijing, where I am conducting part of my doctoral dissertation research as a Fulbright student researcher.