Yaqun Yuan
Current Hometown
East Lansing, Michigan
Born and raised
Changzhi, Shanxi Province, China
Favorite Color?
Navy Blue
Favorite sport to play or watch?
Formula 1 racing. So many factors shape each race, including car development, strategy, weather, and driver performance, which keeps it exciting to follow. I also admire the drivers' mentality, as they never give up until the last moment and seize every opportunity to win.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I play badminton with the MSU Badminton Club. Feel free to join me if you are also interested!
What is the most helpful advice you have received?
You don't have to wait until you feel better to start. Taking action will make you feel better.
How did you become interested in your field? Was there a specific moment when you knew it was the right fit for you?
There was no single moment for me. A lot of my path came from opportunities that happened to come along. What I kept doing was asking myself whether the work still excited me, and whether I enjoyed it when I was deep in it. As long as the answer is yes, I feel I'm in the right place.
What/who influenced you to select your area(s) of study and how has that impacted your career?
My postdoctoral mentor, Dr. Honglei Chen, has influenced me the most. He kept pushing me to think deeply about what is really important and to let that guide my work. I also admire how quickly he turns ideas into action, and how hard he works. Those habits have shaped how I approach my own research.
Describe your current research or area of interest
My research focuses on understanding chemosensory function in aging and neurodegenerative diseases. My current work examines how olfactory and gustatory dysfunction relate to mild cognitive impairment, and whether chemosensory testing can support early risk stratification for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
What advice would you give to a student?
Research is rarely easy, so find what truly drives you. It will keep you energized through challenges, help you bounce back from low points, and bring you joy on the ordinary days.